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Committee mandates campus safety mapping for higher education amid unfunded‑mandate concerns
Summary
The Finance Committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to a requirement that state higher‑education institutions create standardized campus safety mapping data; several members called the change an unfunded mandate, but the Chair said discussions with the chancellor addressed affordability concerns and the amendment passed and the bill was reported.
The Finance Committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment to House Bill 45‑92 requiring each state institution of higher education to create standardized campus safety mapping data and to provide the data to local first‑response agencies; counsel also said data obtained under the bill would not be subject to FOIA.
Senator Mason objected to converting permissive language into a mandate without funding, saying, “I’m never a fan of unfunded mandates,” and argued the change removes the option for institutions that lack funds. Counsel and the Chair said they had spoken with university leadership (the Chair said he had conversations with Chancellor Tucker) and that budget cuts previously proposed by the governor had been restored, which the Chair said would allow institutions to comply.
The Vice Chairman moved adoption of the amendment; on a voice vote the committee adopted the amendment and reported the committee substitute as amended to the full Senate. The amendment makes compliance mandatory, but committee discussion noted no specific funding mechanism in the bill text.
