6246-S AMS CARL ALIS 035

SSB 6246 - S AMD 681

By Senator Carlyle

NOT ADOPTED 02/26/2016

    On page 235, line 25, increase the General Fund--State FY 2017 appropriation by $225,000 and adjust the total appropriation accordingly.

    On page 235, line 30, after "limitations:" insert "(1)"

    On page 235, after line 33, insert the following:

"(2) $225,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2017 is provided solely for the oversight of for-profit postsecondary institutions and private vocational schools. Of the amount provided in this subsection:

(a) $150,000 is for an ombuds position, to be housed in the student achievement council, to serve students of for-profit degree granting institutions and private vocational schools; and

(b) $75,000 is for a study, to be administered by the student achievement council, in partnership with the department of licensing, that objectively analyzes and makes recommendations about systemic overlaps and gaps in jurisdiction regarding for-profit degree-granting institutions and private vocational schools in the state. The council may contract with a neutral third-party research organization to conduct the study. The study must be conducted in two phases, starting with an assessment of perspectives and relevant studies. A second phase, if deemed appropriate by the council, the workforce training and education coordinating board, and other stakeholders, may consist of facilitated discussions among agencies, regulated entities, and stakeholders, to reach agreed-upon recommendations.

(i) The study must include recommendations to improve oversight and accountability of these institutions and schools, and a review of whether, and how, different standards are applied to the institutions and schools by different agencies. Specifically, the study must:

(A) Examine the data collection and reporting practices of for-profit degree-granting institutions and private vocational schools compared to the data collection and reporting of the community and technical colleges. The study must determine if there are inconsistencies and discrepancies in the practices of the for-profit degree-granting institutions and private vocational schools. The study must also make recommendations on the methods of collecting, analyzing, and reporting data, including what measurements to use, to ensure that data from for-profit degree-granting institutions and private vocational schools could be accurately compared to data from the community and technical colleges;

(B) Study the current regulations governing these institutions and schools and recommend necessary changes to achieve consistent regulatory oversight of the entire system;

(C) Recommend ways to implement a cohesive method for guiding and assisting current and prospective students who have questions and concerns; and

(D) Review whether the office of the ombuds serving students of for-profit degree-granting institutions and private vocational schools should remain housed in the council. The study may include recommendations for improving the operation and scope of the office of the ombuds.

(ii) The assessment phase of the study may begin July 1, 2016. The council must issue a final report, including the result of any facilitated agreed-upon recommendations, to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2017."

EFFECT: Provides funding for the oversight of for-profit higher education institutions in the state, including funding for an ombuds position in the Student Achievement Council and a study to be administered by the Council.

FISCAL IMPACT:

2015-17: $225,000 NGF-P

Four-Year Total: $600,000 NGF-P

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