Higher Education Budget

HB 2561 allows Kansas' state board of regents or state educational institutions to sell real property valued at $5 million or less without needing separate legislative approval. The bill requires the board to have property appraised by three independent appraisers, adopt sales policies, and submit an annual report to the legislature listing all such sales. Proceeds from these sales must be deposited into designated special funds managed by the state treasurer. This change streamlines the process for smaller property transactions, directly affecting the state board of regents and its educational institutions.

HB 2523 allows Kansas technical colleges, community colleges, and state universities to form formal partnerships with Kansas universities or accredited independent institutions. It directly affects Kansas public colleges, technical schools, and qualifying private institutions by creating standardized procedures for these affiliations. Key provisions include allowing institutions to change their official designations in legal documents, transferring operational powers and responsibilities to the partnering institution, and establishing rules for faculty, staff, and student transitions during the affiliation. The bill also ensures continuity for existing contracts, legal actions, and debt obligations during the partnership process.

HB 2472, the FORUM Act, prohibits Kansas public colleges and universities from restricting free speech, expression, or association on campus. It bans designated "free speech zones" and requires all outdoor campus areas to be treated as public forums, while preventing viewpoint-based discrimination in student organization benefits or speaker access. The bill allows individuals to sue institutions for violations, with courts able to award up to $5,000 per violation and cover legal costs if the violation wasn’t in good faith. Institutions must also submit annual reports to the legislature detailing speech restrictions, disruptions, or legal actions taken.

HB 2660 appropriates $8.6 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy through fiscal year 2027, requiring the state board of regents to use these funds in alignment with the blueprint's strategic plan. The bill expands reporting requirements under the "Every Child Can Read Act," mandating school districts to track high-risk students, develop individual literacy plans for those at risk, and report on interventions and outcomes annually. It also requires the state board of education to designate evidence-based literacy practices, include a literacy practicum in teacher licensure, and develop a comprehensive literacy implementation plan for school districts.

HB 2248 establishes the Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant Program, administered by the State Board of Regents, to fund nursing education expansion at eligible Kansas colleges and universities. The program provides need-based or competitive grants covering up to $100,000 for non-consumable lab equipment, adjunct clinical instructors, student success tools (like tutoring and exam prep), and support services (including childcare). To qualify, nursing programs must be nationally accredited, Kansas Board of Nursing-approved, and have licensure exam scores meeting or exceeding national averages. Grants require no institutional funding match and are awarded based on board-established criteria. This directly supports nursing schools and students by addressing faculty shortages and enhancing program accessibility.