House Bill 958 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding middle college scholarships by broadening the definition and eligibility criteria for postsecondary institutions. Specifically, the bill replaces references to "an eligible public two-year postsecondary institution" with "an eligible postsecondary institution located in this state" in multiple sections, thereby allowing a wider range of institutions to qualify for the scholarships. Additionally, the bill modifies the timing of eligibility from "time of transfer to an eligible four-year postsecondary institution" to "time the student enrolls in an eligible postsecondary institution" for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

Furthermore, the bill redefines "middle college" to clarify that it is a program operated by an eligible postsecondary institution in partnership with a local education agency (LEA), enabling high school juniors to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree within two years. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and will apply to students seeking middle college scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-4-909(a)(4), 49-4-909, 49-4-909(c)(2), 49-4-909(e)(1), 49-4-902