House Bill 217 Summary

• Community college district boards of trustees in urban areas may file notice of intent to establish upper divisions offering third and fourth year college curriculum with power to grant baccalaureate degrees in liberal arts and sciences, business, and education, subject to State Board of Education approval under section 33-107(8), Idaho Code.

• Community college district boards may alternatively establish upper divisions granting applied baccalaureate degrees in up to three (3) in-demand workforce programs without State Board of Education approval, with boards determining which degrees are in demand within their district and state.

• Community college and upper division operations must be kept separate, though joint use of facilities is permitted with proper cost allocation.

• Tax levy for upper division buildings, equipment, and operations shall not exceed 0.02% of market value for assessment purposes, with general obligation bonds authorized under section 33-2113, Idaho Code, and tuition and fees to cover remaining operational costs.

• Students who have been district residents for at least one year or completed the first two years of college receive admission preference to upper divisions.

• Effective date is July 1, 2023, declared an emergency.