SB92 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Schools, dual enrollment, high school students taking college courses, authorized

Summary

SB92 would let eligible 11th and 12th graders take all college courses at Alabama public colleges or universities for high school credit, with state funding covering the institutions' costs.

What This Bill Does

It creates a program for eligible high school juniors and seniors admitted unconditionally to a public postsecondary institution to study there full-time and earn high school credits toward graduation. The Department of Education would pay participating colleges or universities the lesser of actual tuition/fees or the amount the student would have earned in the local school system, with a one-time Education Trust Fund appropriation in the first year; the college cannot charge the student. The program would be regulated by the Department, require counseling and forms for students and families, and include penalties for fraud; credits would count toward graduation and transcripts, and eligible students could still pursue a diploma if requirements are met. The bill also notes a constitutional exception to local-funding rules for this program and sets an effective date a few months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Eligible high school students (11th or 12th graders) who are unconditionally admitted to a public postsecondary institution and participate in the program; they would earn high school credits for college courses, not pay for the coursework, and must meet graduation and assessment requirements.
• Public colleges/universities that participate and local school systems, which would implement the program, receive state payments for participating students, provide counseling and information, and ensure credits are recorded on transcripts; the Department of Education would oversee regulations and administration.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a program for eligible 11th/12th grade students to take all courses at an eligible public postsecondary institution and receive secondary (high school) credit toward graduation.
• The Department of Education pays participating institutions the lesser of the actual tuition/fees or the amount the student would have earned in the local school system, minus a $200 records fee; a one-time Education Trust Fund appropriation funds the first year, followed by ongoing state funding.
• Institutions may not charge the participating student for the coursework and must treat the payment as full payment.
• Local school systems must provide information and counseling about the program to 10th/11th graders by April 1 each year; students and guardians must sign counseling and participation forms.
• Credits earned are counted toward graduation requirements and must be reflected on the student’s transcript; the Board approves comparable courses for credit awarding; diploma eligibility is addressed by Board rules.
• The program includes regulatory authority for the Department of Education and criminal penalties for fraud or misrepresentation to obtain payments.
• Amendment 621/Section 111.05 considerations are noted, indicating the bill would require a new or increased local expenditure but is allowed under specified exceptions and does not require local government approval or a 2/3 vote.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Board of Education, State