Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes certain credit hour requirements for baccalaureate and associate degree programs.

Highlights:

• Requires a student first enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a 4 year public higher education institution beginning in fall 2016 to complete 120 credit hours in order to receive his or her degree (Sec. 1).  

• Exempts a student enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program from the provisions of this bill if the following conditions are met (Sec. 1):
• The student’s degree program is defined as a 5 year program;
• The desired professional accreditation requires a greater number of credit hours, or requires course work that cannot be completed in 120 credits; or
• The certification requirements result in a need for more than 120 credit hours.

• Requires a student first enrolled in an associate degree program at a county college beginning in fall 2016 to complete 60 credit hours in order to receive his or her degree (Sec. 2). 

• Exempts a student enrolled in a associate degree program from the provisions of this bill if the following conditions are met (Sec. 2):
• The student’s degree program is defined as more than a 2 year program;
• The desired professional accreditation requires a greater number of credit hours, or requires course work that cannot be completed in 60 credits; or
• The certification requirements result in a need for more than 60 credit hours.

• Authorizes the Governing Board of a public higher education institution to approve additional exceptions to the credit hour requirements established under the provisions of this bill (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text