Committee advances amended bill changing how computer science credit can be awarded in high schools

Sen. Jim Dodson presented amendments to SB 369 focused on protecting students who had already earned weighted credit and on expanding the definition of a computer-science graduation requirement so it can be satisfied by a career-and-technical-education (CTE) course containing at least 50% computer-science content.

Dodson told the committee the changes aim to embed computer science into students’ career pathways while retaining a strong CS emphasis. He said section 5 preserves weighted credit already awarded under the current system so students retain what they have earned.

Anthony Owens, senior director of state government affairs at code.org, testified against the bill even after negotiation with the sponsor. He warned the bill could make it harder for some CTE students to receive weighted credit, could require industry certifications beyond current AP testing for some students, and could create administrative complexity for schools determining credit after certification results arrive. Owens also noted recent gains in female participation in ninth-grade computer-science enrollment and cautioned against measures that might reverse that trend.

Senators discussed possible fixes and implementation concerns. The sponsor said he worked with the department to smooth implementation and that the amendments strengthen the bill. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment language and moved SB 369 out of committee with a do-pass recommendation.

The committee recorded an affirmative voice vote and the bill was reported as amended for further legislative consideration.