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Panel approves bill to curtail Fourth Year Innovation pilot program
Summary
The committee approved for introduction a bill to curtail and end incentives under the Fourth Year Innovation Pilot, require early graduates in 2025-26 to begin postsecondary study by Dec. 31, 2026, and remove the evaluation component; passage was 6-0.
Amanda Bickle, JBC staff, presented a draft to curtail and end the Fourth Year Innovation Pilot that provides incentives for students who graduate early.
Bickle said the draft permits proration of existing appropriations in the Department of Education if funds are insufficient, ends incentive payments so there would be no costs in FY26‑27, requires students who graduate early in 2025‑26 to begin postsecondary study by Dec. 31, 2026, and eliminates the program's evaluation component and a roughly 0.3 FTE appropriation. Representative Taggart asked about the Dec. 31 start date for postsecondary programs and Bickle explained the intent was that students begin by the fall semester; members clarified timing concerns and potential nontraditional program starts.
Senator Mobley moved and the committee voted 6-0 to approve the bill for introduction. Sponsors and cosponsors were identified and staff were authorized to make technical changes, including appropriations.
