The bill introduces significant amendments to the General Laws by adding Section 39A to Chapter 15A, which requires all public institutions of higher education to create written policies for accepting various forms of course credit, such as Advanced Placement exams, early college courses, and dual enrollment programs. These policies must detail the conditions for credit acceptance, how credits apply to degree requirements, and ensure that students are informed about credit transferability. Additionally, the bill mandates that these policies be made publicly accessible on the institutions' websites and reviewed by the Department of Higher Education every three years.

Moreover, the bill establishes Section 40 in Chapter 69, which initiates an early college program aimed at providing high school students, especially those underrepresented in higher education, with opportunities to earn transferable college credits. It creates an Early College Joint Committee (ECJC) to oversee the initiative and an Office of Early College to manage program applications and performance monitoring. Public high schools are required to offer at least one college or career program before students graduate, with provisions for waivers. The bill also allows the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to use funds from the Twenty-First Century Education Trust Fund for these programs, ensuring alignment with the trust's objectives. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding between the commissioners of elementary and secondary education and higher education must be established within 90 days of the bill's effective date, and the office is required to submit recommendations to the early college board within one year. Section 100 of Chapter 71 will take effect on September 1, 2028.