The bill authorizes technical colleges and community colleges in Kansas to affiliate with state educational institutions or municipal universities, contingent upon approval from the state board of regents or the governing body of a municipal university, and a majority vote from the college's governing body. This affiliation allows the colleges to change their official designations and transfers their powers and duties to the affiliating institution while ensuring that the affiliated colleges maintain oversight of their operations and funds. Additionally, the bill establishes an industry advisory board for each technical college to provide input on program alignment with industry needs.

The bill also amends several existing statutes to clarify that tax levies and funding responsibilities for affiliated community colleges will shift to the state, exempting them from certain tax levies previously applicable to them. It specifies that the affiliation will not affect any existing contracts or legal proceedings and outlines provisions for the transfer of personnel and handling of bonded indebtedness. Key definitions related to community colleges and technical programs are clarified, and the bill allows these colleges to charge fees for career technical education courses while prohibiting tuition for secondary students in these programs. Furthermore, it repeals several outdated statutes to streamline definitions and funding mechanisms for career technical education, ensuring students have access to necessary resources without incurring tuition costs. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-32, 71-204, 71-617, 71-501, 71-1802, 72-3810, 76-712