Higher education bills at a glance

 

This is an important year for higher education—several bills could drastically alter its future. Here are some of the most important bills being heard during this legislative session:

 

SENATE BILL 242

Senate Bill 242 proposes that the Oregon University System function as a public university system, rather than as a state agency. The university system would be granted more freedom and flexibility in areas such as tuition setting, budgeting and purchasing. In addition, OUS would be required to enter a performance compact with the state that would hold it to certain standards, including specified retention rates. If passed, the bill would become effective on Jan. 1, 2012.

 

STATUS:Introduced to the Senate and referred to the Ways and Means Committee with amendments on March 11. A public hearing was scheduled on April 13.

SENATE BILL 921

Senate Bill 921 would move the State Office of Economic Analysis from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to a research office at Portland State. The State Office of Economic Analysis currently performs quarterly revenue forecasts.

 

STATUS: Introduced to the Senate and referred to Finance and Revenue on Feb. 28. A public hearing was held on March 9.

SENATE BILL 253

Also known as the 40-40-20 Bill, Senate Bill 253 would revise the mission of higher education in Oregon to meet numerical goals. These goals are that by 2025, 40 percent of Oregonians will be earning at least a four-year degree, 40 percent will be earning an associate’s degree or a gainful post-high school certificate, and 20 percent will be earning a high school diploma.

 

STATUS: Passed Senate on Feb. 10 and introduced to the House on Feb. 14. Referred to Education on Feb. 21.

SENATE BILL 243

Senate Bill 243 would require a state institution of higher education, a community college or Oregon Health and Science University to waive tuition and fees for a current or former foster under the age of 25.

STATUS:Introduced to the Senate and referred to Education and Workforce Development on Jan. 12. A public hearing is scheduled for April 21.

HOUSE BILL 2316

House Bill 2316 would remove Portland State from OUS and establish it as a public corporation under the control of the Portland Metropolitan Universities Board of Directors, thereby merging it with Oregon Health and Science University.

 

STATUS:Introduced to the House and assigned to Subcommittee on Higher Education on Jan. 31. A public hearing was held on April 5.

SENATE BILL 742

Senate Bill 742, also known as the Tuition Equity Bill, would provide in-state tuition to undocumented students who have attended Oregon’s K-12 schools.

 

STATUS:Passed through the Senate on March 29. First reading in the House occurred on March 30, and referred to Rules on April 1.

 

SENATE BILL 343

Senate Bill 343 would return the formula that determines the size of the Oregon Opportunity Grant awards to one that recognizes three levels of college pricing: community college price, state university price, and independent nonprofit institution price.

 

STATUS:Introduced to the Senate and referred to Education and Workforce Development on Jan. 18. A public hearing was held on March 24.

SENATE BILL 170

Senate Bill 170 would require the Oregon State Board of Higher Education to consist of six appointed members and five elected members that represent K-12 schools, community colleges and higher education institutions. The board would also be responsible for appointing the state superintendent of schools.

 

STATUS:Introduced to the Senate and referred to Education and Workforce Development on Jan. 14. A public hearing was held on March 29.

HOUSE BILL 3356

House Bill 3356 would prohibit community colleges or higher education institutions from placing academic holds on students’ registration if those students are within six credits of graduating. Students must also agree to a payment plan.

 

STATUS:Introduced to the House and assigned to Subcommittee On Higher Education on March 3. A public hearing was held on March 17.