HCS/SCS/SB 101 - LINN STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE - This act establishes the East Campus of Linn Technical College as Linn State Technical College, if such facilities, equipment and adjoining grounds are given to the State by the Osage R-II District.

The Board of Regents at Linn State Technical College shall have seven voting members and one nonvoting student member. All members shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The term of office for voting members shall be six years, except that two initial terms shall be for two years and two shall be for four years. Regents shall receive necessary expenses for attending meetings.

All existing bonded indebtedness of Linn Technical College shall become indebtedness of Linn State Technical College and shall be retired using tuition revenues.

The school shall offer certificate and associate degrees and advanced technical education training and may provide technical assistance to community colleges or area vocational-technical schools by on-site instruction or distance learning. The school shall not offer associate of arts or baccalaureate degrees.

By August 28, 1996, the Board of Regents shall submit for approval, to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), a five-year plan outlining the changes needed to achieve the school's new mission. The school shall be considered a qualified institution for the purposes of any state student loan, grant or scholarship.

Prior to completing action on the five-year plan for Linn State Technical College, the CBHE shall complete, in cooperation with the State Board of Education, a comprehensive study and assessment of postsecondary vocational technical education in the state. The study shall include a master plan for advanced technical and vocational training in the state coordinating area vocational school sites and Linn State Technical College. State funding of programs offered under the plan may require the cooperation of the school, but no mandates may be included on a program funded in whole or part by local funds unless the cost of the program is paid by the state. The CBHE shall report recommendations regarding improvements to postsecondary vocational education to the Governor, the General Assembly and the State Board of Education.

The school shall be under the oversight of the CBHE and under the oversight of the State Board of Education regarding its function as an area vocational technical school. Operating funds for the school shall be included in the CBHE's budget request and shall be provided, subject to appropriation, except that vocational technical reimbursements shall continue to be requested from the State Board.

Full-time employees of the school shall be members of the Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS), except that current employees may choose, within 90 days, to: 1) transfer to MOSERS any creditable service earned under the Public School Retirement System (PSRS) or Nonteacher School Employee Retirement System (NTRS) and receive a refund of accumulated contributions; or 2) become immediately vested with the applicable system and, upon reaching the minimum retirement age in such system, be eligible to a monthly benefit based upon such service, provided the contributions are not withdrawn. For employees who choose to transfer credit under option 1 above, the applicable retirement system shall pay to MOSERS the actuarial accrued liability for the forfeited service credit.
OTTO FAJEN