This bill amends Sections 16-59-4 and 16-59-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-59 entitled "Council on Postsecondary Education" to update the powers and duties of the council. The council on postsecondary education will now have the power to approve a systematic program of information gathering, processing, and analysis related to higher education in the state. They will also review and approve the strategic plan prepared by the commissioner of postsecondary education, which implements broad goals and objectives for higher education in the state. The council will formulate broad policy to implement the goals and objectives established by the board of education and exercise general supervision over all higher public education in the state. They will also communicate with and seek advice from the commissioner of postsecondary education and the presidents of public higher education institutions.

Additionally, the council will prepare and maintain a five-year funding plan for higher education and present an annual state higher education budget. They will maintain an office of postsecondary commissioner and appoint and dismiss presidents of public institutions of higher learning. The council will establish other educational agencies or subcommittees as necessary and enforce the provisions of all laws relating to higher education. They will also be responsible for functions previously vested in the board of regents for education, such as approving programs at public institutions, adopting standard accounting procedures, and promoting efficiency and cooperation in the delivery of higher education services. The council will also incorporate affirmative action reporting and accountability into their processes.

This bill amends current law to give the presidents of each public higher education institution in Rhode Island the authority and responsibility for operational and management decisions related to their institutions. However, the presidents may still be required to provide information or updates to the council regarding these decisions. The bill also gives the council on postsecondary education the power to approve application and renewal fees for all postsecondary institutions in Rhode Island that choose to participate in an interstate, postsecondary distance-education reciprocity agreement. Additionally, the council is given the authority to address complaints received from out-of-state students in connection with any Rhode Island postsecondary institution that has been approved to participate in an interstate distance-learning reciprocity agreement. The council is also designated as the governing body of the division of higher education assistance and is given the power to guarantee eligible loans made by lenders to assist students in obtaining an education. The council is also given the power to prescribe rules and regulations, establish penalties for violations, and set and collect fees and charges. The bill also establishes the position of commissioner of postsecondary education, who will serve as the chief executive officer of the council on postsecondary education, the chief administrative officer of the office of postsecondary commissioner, and the executive director of the division of higher education assistance. The commissioner will have various duties, including developing and implementing a program of information gathering and analysis related to higher education, preparing a strategic plan for public higher education in the state, and coordinating the goals and objectives of the higher public education sector with the goals of the council on elementary and secondary education. The commissioner will also be responsible for implementing broad policy, promoting coordination between higher education sectors, assisting in the preparation of the budget for public higher education, and coordinating the various higher educational functions of the state.