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Committee pauses MJ Foster age expansion amid funding shortfall; amendment adopted

House Education Committee · March 31, 2026

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Summary

HB 4 07 would pause the lowered MJ Foster eligibility age and revert new applicants to age 21 for two years, grandfather current students; lawmakers pressed staff and regents on funding gaps and a $14.5 million executive budget item.

Rep. Larvadain told the House Education Committee that House Bill 4 07 seeks a two-year pause in the recent MJ Foster age expansion because available funds ran out after rapid enrollment growth.

"This bill would change the age requirement to 21," Rep. Larvadain said, describing the program as a "key investment to workforce development" that supports credentials in health care, construction, manufacturing and other sectors.

Larvadain said the program’s budget—approximately $10,500,000—was exhausted "about five months ago" after expansion. He and witnesses said the amendment would grandfather students who began programs in 2024-25 so they can finish, and require Board of Regents reporting and evaluation.

Commissioner Reed and Board of Regents staff told the committee institutions individually package aid and that other programs (TOPS Tech, institutional aid, Pell and employer dollars) can be coordinated to reduce gaps. Reed said the governor’s executive budget includes $14.5 million proposed to expand MJ Foster but described the committee’s pause as a way to research program costs and impacts.

Members asked how the pause would affect 18–20-year-olds who had recently become eligible. Reed and Larvadain said the amendment does not strip current students of benefits; it freezes further expansion for two years to allow analysis, while grandfathering existing participants.

After debate, Rep. Fryberg moved to report HB 4 07 as amended. The secretary called a roll; the committee recorded 12 yeas and 2 nays and the motion passed. The committee reported HB 4 07 with amendments to the House floor.

The committee directed the Board of Regents to provide analysis on program costs and completion patterns during the pause.