This week in Policy Watch: Community College Edition, we focus on agency proposals in pre-filed bills. As the legislative session gains momentum, we're tracking bills that impact, funding, workforce development, and student access. Stay tuned for insights on how these bills could influence our institutions and the communities we serve.
Four new pre-filed bills have come up since the last newsletter issue. The first is 1293DP which covers open meetings and notice requirements. The bill requires the act of giving notice of a meeting of a governmental body to include (1) advising the news media who have filed a request for notice with the governmental body as provided under current law, (2) posting the notice in a prominent and conspicuous place that is designated annually by the governmental body, in a manner such that the notice is visible at all times, and (3) posting the notice on any associated internet site as specified in the bill. The second is 1397XD which covers the national guard service professional qualification scholarship program. The bill provides that scholarship awards pursuant to the program shall not exceed the total cost charged by the institution attended by the national guard member for the educational program and that the eligibility of applicants and scholarship award amounts to be paid shall be certified by the adjutant general to the college student aid commission; all amounts that are or become due to a community college shall be paid to the college by the college student aid commission upon receipt of certification by the president or governing board of the education institution as to accuracy of charges made, and as to the attendance and academic progress of the individual at the educational institution. The third bill is 1422XD which covers IWD's programs and duties. Division I strikes requirements for the department to collaborate with specified education-related entities when performing certain duties, and division IV strikes references to community colleges so that only the department has duties related to adult education and literacy programs. The fourth and final bill is 1430XD which covers the Department of Education's programs and duties. Division I modifies provisions related to community colleges submitting certain specified data from the most recent fiscal year to the community colleges bureau to instead require the data to be submitted directly to DE.
We're just six days away from the 91st General Assembly convening. The first week of the session is largely formalities as newly elected members are sworn in, opening day speeches are given by both parties, Governor Reynolds delivers the Condition of the State Address and welcome back receptions are had. Stay tuned for a special issue January 15th regarding the Governor's State of the State and Budget Proposal.
For more information or to stay up-to-date, on our bill watch, click here!