OR SB786

Public institutions of higher education must award academic credit to incoming students who completed high school classes or programs comparable to introductory communications, public speaking, or argumentation courses

Students with at least 2 years in a marketing/finance/hospitality/management program (e.g., DECA) receive 2 academic credits

Students with at least 3 years in an agricultural education leadership program (e.g., FFA) or a speech and debate program receive 4 academic credits

Students receiving 4 credits cannot be required to take introductory communications, public speaking, or argumentation courses as prerequisites for advanced courses

High schools must certify student participation in qualifying programs per State Board of Education rules, effective for the 2026-2027 academic year