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Senate committee advances bill to extend dual-enrollment grants to sophomores
Summary
The Senate Education Committee advanced SB 1409 to finance after the sponsor said it would allow sophomores to access lottery-funded dual-enrollment grants; a fiscal note of $553,000 for the first year and concerns about lottery shortfalls were raised during committee questioning.
Senator Hensley, sponsor of SB 1409, told the Senate Education Committee the bill would expand eligibility for dual-enrollment grants to sophomores in addition to juniors and seniors, saying, “Senate bill 14 oh 9 would expand the eligibility for dual enrollment grants to sophomores.”
The committee questioned funding sources. Lou Hammond of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation said the expansion would be funded from lottery proceeds and warned of pressure on the lottery budget: “In the current fiscal year, the financial situation for the lottery is not great. We are looking at a probable shortfall.” Hammond also cited a fiscal note of $553,000 for the first year. Senator Pote pressed for how persistent the shortfall risk might be and Hammond said stakeholders are planning recommendations for 2027.
Hensley defended the policy as a way to expand access to college-level coursework and told members it could increase participation: “they estimate about 541 more sophomores would take a dual enrollment class.” After discussion and an amendment to change the bill’s effective date to July 1, 2026, the committee took a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded nine ayes and the chair announced that SB 1409 moves to finance for further consideration.
Next steps: SB 1409 was referred to the finance committee for review of funding and broader fiscal implications.
