House committee backs bill to create Kentucky‑defined alternate diploma for students on alternate assessments

The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee voted to advance House Bill 562, a bill that would create a Kentucky‑defined alternate diploma for students who participate in alternate assessments and previously would have received certificates of completion.

Representative Timmy Truett (House District 89), sponsor, said the bill creates three diploma options: the federal diploma (the usual diploma most students receive), a Kentucky‑defined alternate diploma (new), and the modified diploma (the current certificate of completion). Truett said the state currently has roughly 4,000–5,000 students in programs that use alternate assessment, and estimated the bill would reduce barriers to employment for higher‑functioning students who previously received certificates instead of diplomas.

Greta Hilton, associate commissioner in KDE’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, told the committee about 4,500 students are in the alternate assessment population and roughly 400–500 exit each year; she said the state‑defined alternate diploma would be crafted under federal law to improve access to the workforce and postsecondary options.

Members praised the measure as long overdue and discussed operational questions, including whether data on Medicaid status could be provided and how the diploma would affect districts’ dropout counts. Sponsor Truett said KDE, the Labor Cabinet and workforce partners will develop implementation details over the coming year. Representative Truett said the policy would take effect in the 2027–28 school year (transcript said "2728"; clarified to the 2027–28 school year for public reporting).

The committee moved, seconded and carried HB 562; Chair Lewis announced the bill passes committee with the committee's opinion that it should pass the House floor.

What happens next: HB 562 advances to the House floor. KDE and the sponsor will work on implementation guidance and stakeholder outreach during the interim year before the diploma takes effect.