OR SB979

Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) must conduct a study on ensuring post-secondary educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, examining whether statutory changes, institutional policy changes, or financial investments would improve student experiences and outcomes

Advisory group of 15+ members must be convened, including disability advocates, faculty from community colleges and public universities, disability resource center staff, and students with disabilities (undergraduate and graduate)

"Disabilities" broadly defined to include intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness, neurodiverse conditions (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, OCD), vision/hearing impairments, and acquired brain/spinal injuries

Advisory group must submit report to HECC by December 15, 2025; HECC must report to Legislative Assembly interim committees on higher education by September 15, 2026, with possible legislative recommendations

Emergency clause makes the act effective upon passage; provisions sunset January 2, 2027