HB 1450 - AS INTRODUCED
2024 SESSION
24-2633
05/10
HOUSE BILL 1450
AN ACT relative to establishing a commission on higher education consolidation.
SPONSORS: Rep. Ladd, Graf. 5; Sen. Gray, Dist 6
COMMITTEE: Education
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission on higher education consolidation to develop a plan for the strategic alignment of the community college system and the university system of New Hampshire.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24-2633
05/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
AN ACT relative to establishing a commission on higher education consolidation.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Chapter; Commission on Higher Education Consolidation. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 188-I the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 188-J
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION CONSOLIDATION
188-J:1 Commission on Higher Education Consolidation Established. There is hereby established a commission on higher education consolidation. The commission shall be charged with investigating the strategic alignment of the university system of New Hampshire and the community college system of New Hampshire.
188-J:2 Commission Responsibilities.
I. To better prepare higher education to meet future demographic and workforce projections for New Hampshire; the changing landscape of post-secondary education; the competing pressures that leaders and residents of the state will need to balance in the coming years; and for higher education to remain competitive, affordable, accessible and cost effective, the commission shall:
(a) Investigate the strategic alignment of the university system of New Hampshire and the community college system of New Hampshire's anticipated needs for how post-secondary education will drive timely advancements for New Hampshire citizens;
(b) Consider and propose a strategic alignment plan and implementation timeline to include administrative restructuring of system-wide governance;
(c) Solicit input from a variety of stakeholders impacted by New Hampshire public higher education to identify strengths and weaknesses measured against current and projected demands to inform decisions about necessary changes and investments.
II. The commission shall consider the following long term effects while developing a strategic alignment plan:
(a) Increasing opportunities to raise education attainment levels, in part to meet workforce needs;
(b) Improving accessibility and compatibility for students;
(c) Minimizing duplication of academic programs as appropriate while optimizing access;
(d) Creating potential for economies of scale and synergy;
(e) Enhancing regional growth and development; and
(f) Streamlining administrative costs and obligations.
III. The commission may address such additional issues relative to higher education system strategic alignment in New Hampshire as it deems relevant to the study.
IV. The strategic alignment plan proposed for consideration shall be based upon a well-informed investigation assuring New Hampshire’s post-secondary system success and shall include a proposed timeline based upon transition components and elements necessary to have in place to accomplish the recommended outcome. The timeline shall include key target dates and deadlines for administration to follow; establish guidelines and best practices for completing administrative processes associated with organization; provide a checklist for tasks necessary to finalize administrative transitions; and create a communication plan.
188-J:3 Commission Membership; Organization.
I. Notwithstanding RSA 14:49, the commission shall be comprised of the following members:
(a) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each political party, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) Two members from the community college system board of trustees, appointed by the chair of the board of trustees.
(d) Two members from the university system of New Hampshire board of trustees, appointed by the chair of the board of trustees.
(e) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(f) The chief administrative officer of the university system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(g) Three members appointed by the governor, 2 of whom shall represent business and industry.
(h) The director of higher education for the department of education.
II. Legislative members of the commission shall serve a term coterminous with their term in office and shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
III. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 30 days of the effective date of this section. A majority of the commission members shall constitute a quorum.
188-J:4 Commission; Reporting Requirement. The commission shall submit the strategic alignment and consolidation plan and report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, chairpersons of the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over education, governor, and state librarian no later than July 1, 2025.
2 Repeal. RSA 188-J, relative to the commission on higher education consolidation, is repealed.
I. Section 2 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2025.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.