Legislators direct HECC to study Oregon's postsecondary system amid funding and enrollment concerns

House Bill 4,124 would require the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to evaluate Oregon's postsecondary education system and submit recommendations for a sustainable framework by Dec. 1, 2026. Staff told the committee the measure declares an emergency and takes effect on passage.

Sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh told lawmakers that the state's public universities and community colleges face "fierce headwinds" including adverse demographic and enrollment trends and constrained budgets, and said the study should look at collaboration, restructuring, affordability metrics and strategies to align institutions with workforce and regional needs.

Supporters from higher education urged that the study be collaborative. Rick Bailey, president of Southern Oregon University, said HB 4,124 "is a place to start" and pressed that the work be done "with us and not to us." He noted Oregon ranks well below the national average in per-student higher-education funding and urged that financial sustainability receive serious attention.

Ben Cannon, executive director of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, said HECC is neutral on the bill but called attention to the tight timeline; HECC would focus on the bill's required tasks and use public commission meetings and partner consultations, but acknowledged it would be difficult to consult every stakeholder fully within the timeframe.

Committee members raised questions about protecting academic freedom and faculty governance during any reorganization or integration; witnesses emphasized that academic freedom should remain intact while the state examines program duplication and mission alignment. Chair Hudson closed the hearing and invited written testimony; members were reminded they could expect votes on the bill at the next committee meeting.