OR HB2539

Higher Education Coordinating Commission must develop a plan allowing community colleges to offer associate's degrees completed in coordination with credits from apprenticeship or training programs that are four years or longer and registered with the State Apprenticeship and Training Council

Apprenticeship participation would satisfy mathematics requirements for the associate's degree, with accelerated college credit programs counting toward additional general education requirements

Program must be available to individuals who completed applicable apprenticeship or training programs in previous years, not just current participants

HECC must submit a report with the plan and proposed legislation to legislative interim committees by September 15, 2026, including analysis of accreditation needs, required resources, implementation timeline, and projected degree completions

Declared an emergency effective upon passage; sunsets January 2, 2027