Bill Would Cap Dual/Concurrent Credits to Four per Course to Stretch State Funding

Representative Rick Ladd introduced HB 193, which would limit the eligible credit value of each dual or concurrent enrollment course to a maximum of four credits for state funding purposes. The change responds to program growth: the dual/concurrent enrollment program originally covered juniors and seniors, typically three‑credit courses, but has expanded to include grades 10–12 and some community college trade courses that can be 8–12 credits per course.

Ladd and Community College System witnesses said the statutory cap would slow cost escalation in the legislatively funded dual‑enrollment pool, which currently pays a flat tuition stipend (discussed in the hearing as $150 per course) and is at risk of covering fewer students if high‑credit courses continue to consume the appropriation. The community college testified this is meant to preserve broad access and avoid concentrating limited dollars on a small number of high‑credit trade classes.

Committee questions covered who pays for instructor time at the high‑school level, whether districts lose anything (the concurrent courses still count as high‑school credit and are part of the normal load), and how the community college handles transcripts and recognition of earned college credit. Community College System staff said the program infrastructure (coordinators, DualEnroll management, transcripts) exists and the proposed change is an affordability measure, not a change to the curricular entitlement for students.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing and will consider the language as part of dual‑enrollment funding conversations.