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Panel considers allowing HOPE scholarship credits to apply to graduate or professional study; sponsor seeks better luck this year after veto
Summary
Representative Hoggins described a bill to let eligible students apply unused HOPE scholarship credits to graduate or professional education by paying the tuition difference. The measure, previously vetoed, was discussed; lawmakers asked about fiscal estimates and the committee took no vote.
Representative Hoggins reviewed a bill (previously considered as House Bill 1231 / referred to in committee as item 385) that would let students with unused HOPE scholarship credits apply those credits toward graduate or professional education, provided the student pays the tuition difference between undergraduate and graduate/professional rates.
Hoggins said the change would allow high-achieving students who have unused HOPE hours to begin graduate studies in-state rather than taking a second undergraduate degree or leaving the state for graduate school. He told the committee the measure passed through both chambers last year with strong support but was vetoed by the governor; he has simplified the bill this year to keep it narrowly focused on the graduate-credit conversion.
The sponsor indicated last year's fiscal estimate put the cost at a few million dollars; final numbers are pending. "For perspective, it was estimated to only be a few million dollars," Hoggins said. Committee members had no additional questions in the hearing. No formal vote was taken and the committee closed the discussion with the expectation the bill could return for further consideration.
