Three bills recently introduced in the state house aim to update, improve, and reform the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the state.
PASSHE has not been significantly updated since 1982 and is facing costs that constrain the system’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.
The system began a redesign in 2016 that will be completed in three phases. Phase I established strategic priorities. Phase II began in the fall of 2018 and involves developing detailed implementation plans to achieve the strategic priorities, but legislative action is needed to complete the phase.
House Bill 2171 would reform the governance and accountability of PASSHE’s Board of Governors and the Councils of Trustees by authorizing the board to create, expand, consolidate, transfer, dissolve or close an educational institution or college. The bill also would allow the board to align PASSHE with workforce needs and student enrollment.
House Bill 2172 would reform financial and legal processes, including distinguishing between the applicable statutory requirements for state-appropriated and non-state-appropriated funds.
House Bill 2173 would clarify and update statutory language and would streamline reporting. These actions include exempting student records and emails from the Right to Know Law.
The House Education Committee is considering the bills.