STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature (2012)

HOUSE BILL 2517	By:	Kern

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to higher education; creating the Higher Education Outcomes-Based Funding Task Force; directing the Task Force to study certain issues and make recommendations; specifying certain issues; establishing membership; providing for cochairs, meetings, service, quorum, vacancies and staff support; directing state agencies to provide support and information; allowing for travel reimbursement; allowing the Task Force to seek certain assistance for certain purpose; requiring the Task Force to submit certain reports; providing for noncodification; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
A.  There is hereby created until May 31, 2013, the Higher Education Outcomes-Based Funding Task Force.
B.  The Task Force shall study and make recommendations on the development of an outcomes-based funding model for higher education institutions that are members of The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education which could replace the current enrollment-based funding formula, shift the focus of higher education from access and growth to productivity and be the most effective means of allocating limited state resources among institutions.  The Task Force shall study, review and make recommendations on the following:
1.  The current enrollment-based funding formula for higher education institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education;
2.  Outcomes-based funding formula models adopted and used in other states; 
3.  A list of the outcomes to be included in an outcomes-based funding formula and the priorities of the outcomes; 
4.  The inclusion of unique weight factors for each outcome for each higher education institution which is based on the mission of each different type of institution; and
5.  Any other relevant issues.
C.  The Task Force shall consist of fifteen (15) members as
follows:
1.  The Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or designee; 
2.  The Secretary of Education or designee; 
3.  A member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, appointed by the chair of the State Regents; 
4.  The President of one of the comprehensive institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, appointed by the Governor; 
5.  The President of one of the regional institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, appointed by the Governor; 
6.  The President of one of the community college institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, appointed by the Governor; 
7.  Three persons who are employed as faculty members at an institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
8.  Two persons who are owners of or represent businesses located in the state, one large business and one small business, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; 
9.  A representative of a statewide business organization, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
10.  A representative of a statewide organization representing higher education institutions, appointed by the Governor;
11.  A member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and 
12.  A member of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
D.  The member of the House of Representatives and the member of the Senate shall serve as cochairs of the Task Force.  Appointments to the Task Force shall be made within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this act.  Meetings of the Task Force shall be held at the call of either cochair of the Task Force.  Members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities.  A majority of the members of the Task Force shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but no vacancy shall impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all of the powers of the Task Force.  A vacancy on the Task Force shall be filled by the original appointing authority.  Staff support for the Task Force shall be provided by the staff of the House of Representatives, Senate and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.  Other state agencies shall provide support and information as requested by the Task Force.
E.  Members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation for serving on the Task Force, but may receive travel reimbursement, contingent on the availability of public or private funds for this purpose.
F.  The Task Force may seek the assistance of the Legislative Service Bureau or the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to contract with an independent consultant as necessary to fulfill the duties specified in this section contingent on the availability of funds.
G.  The Task Force shall submit a preliminary report by December 31, 2012, and a final report by May 31, 2013, to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  
SECTION 2.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby 
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

53-2-7918	KB	01/17/12