Summary of Original Version

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to establish the Adult Workforce Diploma Pilot Program; define terms; establish the Adult Workforce Diploma Pilot Program fund; establish eligibility criteria for the program; direct the Education and Labor Cabinet to administer the program; provide payments to program providers for students who complete specified milestones; require program result reporting to the Kentucky Board of Education, the Secretary of State, and the Legislative Research Commission; specify a program end date of July 1, 2029.

Summary of Amendment: House Committee Substitute 1

Summary Retain original provisions, except to modify definitions; require the Education and Labor Cabinet to select 1 approved program provider for each county through an application process; place limits for maximum payments per fiscal year, require promulgation of administrative regulations by September 1, 2026; provide the Education and Labor Cabinet the ability to select representative counties for the pilot program if funds do not permit full implementation.

Summary of Amendment: House Floor Amendment 1 -- R. Duvall

Summary Maintain all original provisions except remove the provision for payment of $275 for each completed 1 unit of high school credit and insert a payment of $137.50 for each completed 1/2 of a unit of high school credit.

Summary of Amendment: House Floor Amendment 2 -- S. Sharp

Summary Permit approval of multiple accredited providers in each county; limit pilot program to 10 counties with highest population of adults without high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma; modify reimbursement milestones; set maximum reimbursement of $200,000 per county; make technical corrections.