SB 1504 Summary

• Changes the article heading in title 15, chapter 12, article 2 from "State Board of Directors for Community Colleges" to "Annual Report"

• Requires community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees to meet regional accreditation and state licensure requirements and base decisions on workforce need, student demand, financial analysis, avoiding duplication, and adequate resources

• Mandates community colleges notify public universities located in the same county at least 60 days before submitting a baccalaureate program report to the district board, allowing the university 30 days to provide written response

• Requires community colleges to submit detailed reports to the district board before approval, including degree program name, instructional modality, credit hours, enrollment projections, market demand evidence, and faculty recruitment plans

• Requires community colleges to submit a five-year report to the joint legislative audit committee covering applicants, admissions, enrollment, degrees awarded, costs, workforce demand, completion rates, student employment outcomes, and financial aid information