HCR 3042 Summary

• Amends the North Dakota Constitution to make the higher education commissioner an elected state official chosen by qualified electors at the general election, with the first election in 2016 and the commissioner taking office January 1, 2017

• Limits the higher education commissioner to serving no more than two full terms

• Establishes a higher education advisory council consisting of seven, nine, or eleven members appointed by the governor with advice and consent of legislative leaders, with members serving two-year terms and including one full-time student

• Grants the elected higher education commissioner authority to appoint and remove institution presidents, prescribe uniform accounting and budgeting systems, and administer the North Dakota university system effectively and efficiently

• Requires voter approval at the 2014 general election for these constitutional amendments to take effect on January 1, 2016