Committee advances bill to expand collaboration with private postsecondary institutions

Representative Peterson presented HB 279 (second substitute) and explained it broadens interactions between state functions and private postsecondary institutions. "For example, the STEM Action Center can coordinate with private institutions," Representative Peterson said, and the bill would allow private institutions to partner on computer science grants, authorize the highway patrol to assist with security at private postsecondary institutions on request, extend tuition waivers for spouses and children of fallen peace officers and firefighters, and add private institutions to a range of advisory and statutory lists.

Senator Fillmore moved Amendment 1 to clarify that if an RFP includes sponsorship or scholarship dollars, those funds must go to the institution and not to a specific individual; Senator Fillmore described the amendment as a clarification of disbursement in the RFP process and the committee approved the amendment unanimously.

Senator Reby moved a favorable recommendation to advance the amended, second-substitute HB 279 to the full body. Committee members noted USTAR's (recorded as "Ushi") review found no objections to returning certain functions to private institutions. The committee approved sending the bill forward with a favorable recommendation by voice vote; the chair ruled the vote unanimous.