FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- The bill by Erlanger Republican Sen. Jack Westwood, originally would have let local school districts raise the dropout age from 16 to 18. That version passed the Senate.

But last week, the House passed a bill by Democratic Rep. Jeff Greer of Brandenburg that would raise the dropout age in every district from 16 to 17 by 2016 and to 18 by 2017.

Westwood's amended bill would add language to Greer's legislation to allow local school boards, on the recommendation of the superintendent and with the state's approval, to raise the dropout age to 18 sooner, by 2014. It would also fund alternative programs.
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The legislation is SB109.