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Committee backs uniform dual‑enrollment application and tuition rate (HB 649) to streamline student access
Summary
HB 649 would create a statewide online application for dual enrollment and direct public postsecondary boards to adopt a standard uniform dual‑enrollment tuition rate; the committee adopted amendments and reported the bill favorable as amended after task‑force testimony describing growth to over 43,000 students.
House Bill 649 (Rep. Brass) would require a uniform statewide application for dual enrollment and, per committee amendment, require public postsecondary management boards in consultation with the Board of Regents to adopt a uniform dual‑enrollment tuition rate for academic and other coursework. The bill aims to reduce duplicate applications across institutions and simplify access for students and counselors.
Rep. Brass recounted that dual enrollment has grown by roughly 65 percent and now serves more than 43,000 students; Erin Bridal of the Pelican Institute (and a member of the Statewide Dual Enrollment Task Force) told senators the task force recommended streamlining the application and increasing awareness of available courses. Senators praised the proposal as a way to reduce paperwork and increase access, and the committee adopted amendment 29‑26 and reported the bill favorable as amended without objection.
Supporters in the room included parents, task‑force members and higher‑education representatives; the committee agreed the measure will improve student access while preserving institutional tuition authority through the stated uniform‑rate requirement and Board of Regents consultation.
