The bill establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education in Kansas, tasked with studying and making recommendations regarding the state's higher education system. The commission will consist of 17 members, including representatives from the state board of regents, the governor's office, both houses of the legislature, regional universities, community colleges, and technical colleges, as well as students and parents of students attending postsecondary institutions. The commission is required to submit a preliminary report by January 1, 2026, and a final report by January 1, 2027, detailing its findings and recommendations.
The commission will focus on several key areas, including long-term goals for higher education, governance and financing structures, accessibility and affordability, and strategies for enrollment and degree completion. Members will be compensated for their expenses, and the commission will have the authority to meet as needed. The bill emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to improving higher education in Kansas, with input from various stakeholders in the education sector.