Leising’s Higher Education Bill Advances to Governor’s Desk

State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg)

(Statehouse) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) that would help more Indiana students obtain a higher education degree has moved to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk for final consideration.

Senate Enrolled Act 8, would:

  • Require each Indiana high school to offer the Indiana College Core or submit a college core feasibility report to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) starting the 2025-26 school year;
  • Allow a high school student who successfully completes a college core course to apply the credit toward their graduation requirements;
  • Require a high school students’ transcript to reflect the credit once they complete a college core course; and
  • Require each state higher education institution to review their bachelor’s degree programs to determine whether they could be completed in three years by a full-time student.

“CHE’s most recent college-going report states only 53% of 2021 high school seniors enrolled in college, which is an 11% decline from 2016,” Leising said. “This drop is due in part to seniors being concerned about the cost and long-term commitment a four-year degree requires. Senate Enrolled Act 8 would work to alleviate students’ concerns while still ensuring they receive a high-quality education in high school and college.”

To track bills signed by the governor, click here.

To learn more about other bills Leising is working on this legislative session, click here.