STATEHOUSE —State Rep. Rhonda Rhoads’ (R-Corydon) legislation ensuring state colleges and universities do not require an excessive number of credit hours for varying degrees passed out of the Senate with a 39-11 vote late Tuesday afternoon. HB 1220 would require higher education institutions to seek approval from the Commission of Higher Education (CHE) for degree programs that require more than 60 credit hours for an associate’s degree and 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. State colleges and universities would be required to do the initial evaluation of undergraduate degree programs and credit hours. “While many of our state’s higher education institutions are addressing this problem already, this legislation would make the process uniform throughout the state,” said Rep. Rhoads. “At its core, HB 1220 is an effort to address the rising cost of tuition and the estimated time it takes for a student to earn a degree. Additional hours added to a degree program increases the cost to students and their families. “While alleviating some unnecessary financial burdens imposed on Hoosier students, this legislation will also help improve college graduation rates across the state.” While in the Senate, HB 1220 was amended to require the CHE to accept additional credit hours if they are necessary for a specific program’s standards, occupational certification or employer requirements. Since amended, the bill returns to the original house for approval. If approved, it will be sent to the governor’s office for his signature to be signed into law. If the changes are not accepted, it will be discussed in conference committees consisting of representatives from both caucuses from each chamber. -30- |
