Bill > SB293

This bill authorizes technical and community colleges in Kansas to affiliate with state educational institutions or municipal universities, subject to approval by the state board of regents or the governing body of a municipal university and a majority vote of the technical or community college's governing body. Under this affiliation, the technical or community college can change its official designation, and most of its existing powers and duties will transfer to the affiliating institution, with the original governing body becoming an industry advisory board. The bill specifies that the advisory board will review academic programs to ensure alignment with industry needs and will provide input on sector changes. Admission requirements for students in affiliated institutions are partially modified, with career and technical education students having different standards than those seeking to transfer into bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs. The bill ensures that affiliated technical and community colleges will continue to receive existing funding and that current contracts, personnel, and legal proceedings will remain unaffected by the affiliation. The legislation defines key terms such as "municipal university" (which includes Washburn University) and "state educational institution" (which includes major Kansas public universities) and applies to technical colleges and community colleges established under existing Kansas statutes. The bill aims to create more flexible pathways for technical and community colleges to collaborate with larger educational institutions while maintaining their core missions and funding structures.

Budget and Finance

Ways and Means (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb293/