(a)  The commissioner of the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education and the commissioner of the Rhode Island board of governors for higher education may develop a plan for a high school “fast track to college” program that offers qualified individuals an opportunity to earn a high school diploma while earning credits for a certificate program or an associates degree.

(b)  To be eligible to earn a high school diploma under this section, an individual must be either:

(1)  Nineteen (19) years of age and not currently enrolled in a school; or

(2)  Seventeen (17) years of age to nineteen (19) years of age and have consent from the high school that the individual is currently enrolled in.

(c)  To complete the requirements for a high school diploma under this section, the individual must meet the graduation requirements of his or her local educational authority.

(d)  The department, in collaboration with the board of governors for higher education, shall report to the Rhode Island general assembly on the feasibility of establishing this program and the potential cost of a pilot program by January 1, 2008.