PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The House Education Committee voted 14-1 Monday to recommend against cuts to South Dakota’s high school dual credit program.

House Bill 1040 would reduce state funding for the program from 67% to 50%, saving about $1.15 million in next year’s budget.

The bill now moves to the Joint Appropriations Committee with a “do not pass” recommendation.

The program lets high school juniors and seniors earn college credits before graduation.

Last year, 30% of South Dakota juniors and seniors took at least one dual credit course, with some students earning a two-year college degree before finishing high school.

South Dakota Sec. of Education, Joe Graves.

However, Graves also said the cut was necessary to ensure South Dakota’s balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

Dianna Miller, representing large school districts, opposed the cuts.

Currently, the state pays two-thirds of tuition costs, while students, parents, or guardians pay one-third.

The bill requires approval from both appropriations and the full legislature to become law.