The impact of HB0113 on state laws would primarily be manifested in the adjustments to the statutory framework governing the Hathaway scholarship program. The changes ensure that scholarships adequately meet the financial needs of students pursuing higher education and encourage academic achievement. By increasing the scholarship amounts, advocates of the bill argue that it would diminish the financial barriers for low and middle-income students, providing them with better opportunities to attain postsecondary education.
Summary
House Bill 0113 aims to enhance the existing Hathaway scholarship program by increasing the scholarship awards available to eligible students. The bill introduces several adjustments to the criteria and monetary values associated with the scholarships, aimed at making higher education more accessible for Wyoming students. The proposed increases involve different scholarship tiers based on students' academic performance, including opportunity, performance, and honor scholarships, each distinguished by specific GPA and standardized test score requirements.
Contention
Despite the potential benefits of the bill, it faced notable contention during discussions and voting. Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of increased funding for the scholarship program amidst existing budget constraints. Critics argued that while enhancing scholarships is essential, there must be a balanced approach to funding that considers other educational needs and state fiscal responsibilities. The bill does not currently address the source of funding for these increased awards, leaving questions about its long-term viability.
Voting_history
During its latest voting session on February 14, 2024, House Bill 0113 failed to pass with 40 votes in favor and 21 against. This voting outcome highlights the divided opinions among lawmakers regarding educational funding priorities and the implementation of the proposed increased awards. The bill's future may depend on revisions that address funding concerns and further negotiations among legislative stakeholders.
To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.