Committee approves HB 498 to create statewide adult high‑school diploma pathway; committee substitute advances

The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee approved a committee substitute for House Bill 498 to authorize a statewide pathway allowing Kentucky adults to earn a regionally accredited high‑school diploma through multiple providers and modalities.

Representative Robert Duvall (District 17), sponsor of the measure, said the substitute broadens eligibility to include public and nonprofit accredited providers, sets a county aggregate cap of $200,000 and reduces dollars‑per‑credit from earlier drafts to serve more learners. Duvall framed the bill as a workforce measure that responds to the committee’s workforce attraction and retention task‑force findings: "One of those obvious challenges is that too many working age Kentuckians simply don't have a high school diploma," he said, noting there are "over 400,000 Kentuckians with no high school diploma."

Aaron Luper of Graduation Alliance, a prospective provider, said the model is pay‑for‑performance: providers do not receive program funds until learners complete courses and third‑party workforce credentials. He described multiple delivery modes (online, brick‑and‑mortar, hybrid), provider responsibility for marketing and outreach, hotspot support for rural learners, and built‑in accountability (minimum graduation rates and average‑cost caps). Luper said the policy focuses on adults with "two years or less remaining" of high‑school credit and that in other states providers maintain wait lists, suggesting strong demand.

Committee members asked how the program differs from GED and other adult education offerings; Luper said HB 498 specifically provides a tier‑1 regionally accredited diploma recognized by military services and four‑year universities and does not replace GED pathways. Members asked about fees; Luper said students will not be charged and providers will handle transcript retrieval and assessment. Sponsor Duvall said the program would be piloted and requested a separate appropriation for implementation.

The committee moved and adopted the committee substitute by voice vote. Several members offered brief explanations on the record, with many citing constituent concerns but voting yes after sponsor and provider answers. Chair Lewis announced: "House bill 498 passes with the expression of opinion that the same should pass on the House floor with the committee sub attached thereto."

What happens next: HB 498 advances to the House floor with the committee substitute attached. Implementation details and appropriation levels will be determined through the budget process and follow‑up rulemaking or agency guidance.