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Senate advances Opportunity Scholarship and other higher-education scholarship changes
Summary
Lawmakers advanced SB136, consolidating several higher-education scholarships into an 'Opportunity Scholarship' with merit-based eligibility (3.3 GPA) and simplified course requirements, and extending technical-education scholarship availability; sponsors said the change simplifies access for students.
Senate Bill 136, presented on the floor as higher-education scholarship amendments, was advanced after senators described the measure as a consolidation and modernization of state scholarship programs.
Senator Owens (floor sponsor) said the bill provides for the Opportunity Scholarship, amends provisions of the New Century Scholarship, and expands eligibility for technical-education scholarships. He said the new scholarship is merit-based, requiring students to maintain a 3.3 grade-point average and complete one AP, IB or concurrent-enrollment course in math, English and science while in high school.
Senator Milner and other senators spoke in support, saying the consolidated approach makes scholarship programs easier for students, counselors and parents to understand and helps track college-readiness benchmarks.
The Senate recorded roll-call votes and the clerk announced SB136 "having received 28 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 1 being absent" and ordered the bill read a third time.
The bill will move forward for third-reading consideration and further legislative action as the session continues.
