House backs creation of Blue Ribbon Commission to review higher education

House members on March 17 voted to report House Bill 2402 favorably, a measure that would create a 17-member bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education charged with conducting a comprehensive review of postsecondary education in Kansas.

Representative Rogers, carrying the bill, said the commission would study long-term goals, financing, structure, affordability, enrollment trends and options for consolidation across Regents institutions, community colleges and technical schools. Rogers told members Kansans invest more than $4 billion in postsecondary education and said the commission would report findings and recommendations to the legislature on or before Jan. 1, 2027, with a preliminary report due in the next legislative session.

Representative Ballard supported the commission, saying higher education contributes to life quality, creates jobs and draws federal grants that benefit Kansas communities. Ballard said past studies have occurred and that the commission could build public understanding of higher education's role. Representative Woodard asked for clarification about the bill's reference to "the big three universities," and Rogers identified those institutions on the floor as Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University.

The Committee of the Whole adopted the committee report and the House voted to report HB 2402 favorably for passage. Sponsors said the commission would focus on students and consider possible efficiencies and governance changes.