HF 436 (LSB 2405YH (1) 85)

HOUSE FILE 436

BY  HALL

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for a study and report on establishing an additional regents institution or a regents outpost.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  ADDITIONAL REGENTS INSTITUTION OR OUTPOST —— STUDY AND REPORT.
   1.  The board of regents, in consultation with the department of education and other stakeholders, shall conduct a feasibility study regarding the establishment of an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost to be jointly utilized by existing institutions of higher education, to be governed by the board. The study shall consider how greater geographic balance in access to postsecondary education in this state can best be achieved and how unmet regional needs regarding course offerings in postsecondary education in this state can best be served.
   2.  The board shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the general assembly by December 19, 2014. The report shall include recommendations for possible locations for an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost that would best achieve greater geographic balance in access to postsecondary education in this state. The report shall also include recommendations for course offerings which would best allow an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost to serve unmet regional needs in this state.
EXPLANATION
   This bill directs the board of regents, in consultation with the department of education and other stakeholders, to conduct a feasibility study regarding establishment of an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost to be jointly utilized by existing institutions of higher education. The institution or outpost would be governed by the board. The study shall consider how greater geographic balance in access to postsecondary education in Iowa can best be achieved and how unmet regional needs regarding course offerings in postsecondary education in Iowa can best be served.
   The bill directs the board to report on its findings and recommendations to the general assembly by December 19, 2014. The report shall include recommendations for possible locations for an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost that would best achieve greater geographic balance in access to postsecondary education in Iowa. The report shall also include recommendations for course offerings which would best allow an additional institution of higher education or a regents outpost to serve unmet regional needs in Iowa.