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Kansas bill would let public, independent and technical colleges form permissive affiliations; opponents warn of tax and debt risks
Summary
HB 2523 would permit permissive affiliations between Kansas public universities (the 'big six') and Washburn, independent colleges and technical/community colleges and repeal statutory service areas; supporters say it allows institutions to pursue efficiencies, while community colleges warn the language could transfer taxes, buildings and debt to the state and create legal and financial hurdles.
A bill before the Committee on Higher Education Budget would make affiliations between Kansas public universities, Washburn University, independent colleges and technical/community colleges permissive rather than requiring a follow-up legislative approval, but it drew questions Wednesday about local tax levies, bond debt and community control.
Jill (committee staff) told legislators HB 25 23 authorizes affiliations by mutual agreement of the institutions’ governing bodies and the Board of Regents and removes the need for a separate act of the Legislature. "This bill really does four things," she said, explaining the measure allows universities and independent colleges to affiliate with each other and with tech or community colleges and contains boilerplate provisions addressing faculty, pending lawsuits and the transfer of powers and duties.
Supporters said the change would reduce a procedural barrier that can stall…
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