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, as well as 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 legislation also amends several existing statutes to clarify tax levies and funding responsibilities, specifically removing provisions that allow community colleges to levy taxes on property within their districts after affiliation, thereby shifting the funding responsibility to the state. It clarifies definitions related to community colleges and technical education, specifies that secondary students in career technical education programs may be charged fees but not tuition, and outlines the responsibilities of the state board of regents in distributing state funds. Furthermore, the bill repeals outdated statutes to streamline regulations governing technical education. Overall, the act aims to enhance collaboration between colleges and universities to better serve educational and workforce needs in Kansas and 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