- Committee -

SCS/SB 755 - This act generates several alterations to the state's higher education policy.

SECTION 160.545 - This section asserts that the A+ reimbursements shall not be issued to any four-year institutions of higher education, regardless of whether such reimbursements are made indirectly by means of a public community college or vocational or technical school. Further, the act specifies that in order for any public community college or vocational or technical school to receive reimbursements from the A+ schools program, the qualifying student must exclusively attend a public community college or vocational or technical school.

SECTION 172.360 - This section eliminates the minimum age qualification (which presently is set at sixteen) for admission to the University of the State of Missouri.

SECTION 174.020 - This section renames Missouri Western State College as Missouri Western State University.

SECTION 174.241 - This section eliminates the board of regents of Missouri Western State College.

SECTION 174.251 - This section designates Missouri Western State University as a statewide institution of applied learning. The section further asserts that Missouri Western State University shall discontinue, as of July 1, 2008, any and all associate degree programs unless the continuation of such associate degree programs is approved by the coordinating board by July 1, 2006.

SECTION 174.324 - This section reemphasizes that any new masters degree program offered at Missouri Western State University or any other public institution of higher education in this state must be approved by the coordinating board for higher education.

SECTION 174.450 - This section adds Missouri Western State University to the list of institutions which are charged with a statewide mission and governed by a board of governors.

This act contains many of the provisions of SB 858 (2004) and the SS/SB 51 (2003).

DONALD THALHUBER