Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, appears serious about his proposal to allow students to skip 12th grade to save the state money. Tuesday he opened up a bill file titled "High School Accelerated Graduation."

Buttars said his proposal would save public education $60 million. He emphasized the plan would be optional for high school students.

"There is no pressure," he said. "It's between the student and the parents."

— Amy K. Stewart