SB1453 Summary

• Authorizes community colleges in counties with populations of 750,000 or fewer to offer accredited four-year baccalaureate degrees without enrollment limitations.

• Permits community colleges in counties with populations exceeding 750,000 to offer four-year degrees, limited to 5% of total offerings in first four years and 10% thereafter, with tuition capped at 150% of other district program rates.

• Requires district boards to evaluate baccalaureate proposals based on workforce need, student demand, financial viability, lack of duplication with other state institutions, and adequate resources.

• Mandates community colleges to notify public universities in the same county at least 60 days before submitting baccalaureate proposals and requires five-year program reviews submitted to the legislature.

• Excludes direct and indirect costs of 300- and 400-level baccalaureate courses from operational expense calculations for county reimbursement purposes.