Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp quietly signed a much-debated bill into law this week aimed at reducing how many college courses that high school students can take under the state’s popular dual enrollment program.
The changes in House Bill 444 would restrict students to a total of 30 college credit hours that would be paid through state funds, and limits the program, with some exceptions, to only 11th-and 12th-grade students.
The legislation becomes law on July 1.
Supporters, including Kemp, said the changes are necessary to keep the program available for all students. A 2018 state audit found general fund spending for the dual enrollment program increased by more than 325% over the prior five years. The current fiscal year budget is about $100 million.
Critics countered the changes will increase college costs for lower-income students who now earn credits by taking the courses in high school at no cost.
Enrollment in the program nearly doubled over a recent four-year stretch, to about 52,000 students in fiscal 2019, state records show.
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