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 to align educational programs with industry needs and outlines provisions for the transfer of personnel and the handling of any existing bond indebtedness.

The bill also amends several existing statutes to clarify that tax levies and funding responsibilities for community colleges that affiliate with state educational institutions or municipal universities will be transferred to the state, thereby exempting these colleges from certain tax levies previously authorized. It includes the repeal of specific provisions related to tax levies and funding for community colleges that are no longer applicable post-affiliation. Furthermore, the bill clarifies key definitions and specifies that students in career technical education courses may be charged fees but not tuition, while postsecondary students must pay applicable tuition and fees. 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