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House approves bill to increase frequency of high-school equivalency exams
Summary
The House voted unanimously to approve a bill amending Law 170 (1949) to expand opportunities for adults to take high-school equivalency exams, a measure supporters said increases access to education and the workforce.
The House of Representatives approved Project of the House 190 on Aug. 21, 2025, an amendment to Law No. 170 of May 4, 1949, that adjusts requirements and increases the frequency for administration of the high-school equivalency exam (examen de equivalencia). The floor announced the measure passed with 47 votes in favor and none opposed.
Representative Nelly Lebrf3n spoke in favor of the bill, saying the equivalency exam has been a critical alternative path to a high-school diploma for people who were unable to finish in the traditional system and that this amendment "viabiliza" opportunities by offering more frequent testing windows without additional cost to the Department of Education. She argued the change supports workforce participation and personal advancement.
Following Lebrf3n's remarks the House voted to approve the amended text on the floor; the clerk announced approval after a voice vote and subsequent final tally. The bill's proponents said it does not require new departmental spending and aims to reduce delays between course completion and the ability to take the exam.
The bill will proceed to subsequent steps under the legislative process. Supporters said the change will improve access to education and may reduce medium- and long-term dropout indicators; no fiscal figures were provided on the floor.
