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House Takes Up Bill That Empowers Parents In Failing Schools

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — Parents who have students in failing schools are close to having a voice in the matter.

The Florida House is poised for debate and a last vote on the "parent trigger" bill (HB 867), which would gives parents a vote in turnaround options for failing public schools. The voting would be done through a signature drive.

The bill is set for final passage on Thursday.

A companion bill (SB 862) is also moving in the Senate.

The bill is supported by Republicans but Democrats are expected to try one last push against the measure. They've criticized it as a backdoor measure to let for-profit companies take over public schools. Parent groups and teachers' union have also opposed it.

(TM and © 2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and © 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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