The delicate process of granting in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants appears to be entering a key phase, as lawmakers work to bring competing versions of the legislation together and send a bill to Gov. Rick Scott.

The Senate version of the proposal (SB 1400) passed the Education Appropriations Subcommittee on an 8-5 vote Wednesday, bringing it one step away from the floor. The measure still needs the full Appropriations Committee to sign off.