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Minutes for HB2523 - Committee on Higher Education Budget
Short Title
Authorizing technical colleges and community colleges to affiliate with Kansas universities or colleges, authorizing state educational institutions to affiliate with accredited independent institutions and providing procedures for such affiliations.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 9, 2026
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2523.
Jill Wolters, First Assistant Revisor of Statutes gave the bill brief on HB2523 for the committee. (Attachment 1) Ms. Wolters stood for questions from the committee.
Steven Howe, Representative District 71, spoke in favor of the bill that will modernize the affiliation process for higher education institutions in Kansas. (Attachment 2) Mr. Howe stood for questions from the committee.
Blake Flanders, President and CEO, Kansas Board of Regents, spoke in favor of the bill that will modernize the affiliation process for higher education institutions facing the challenges of shrinking rural population, allowing them to strategically utilize resources to create access and opportunities for students, communities, and the State of Kansas. (Attachment 3) Mr. Flanders stood for questioning from the committee.
Heather Morgan, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Community Colleges, spoke in favor of the bill that will modernize the affiliation process and to prevent institutions from having to go through the legislative process. (Attachment 4) Ms. Morgan stood for questions from the committee.
Greg Nichols, Kansas Technical Colleges, submitted written only opponent testimony. (Attachment 5)
Matt Lindsey, President, Kansas Independent College Association, gave neutral testimony for the bill. (Attachment 6)
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2523.
