SB 656 - Currently under Section 173.604, RSMo, the coordinating board issues certificates of approval to operate within this state to certain out-of-state public higher education institutions that meet the minimal standards of that section. This act seeks to exempt such institutions, as of July 01, 2007, from the requirements of section 173.604, RSMo. Further, the act would revoke, on July 01, 2007, all previously issued certificates granted to out-of-state public higher education institutions to operate within this state. Instead, the act directs the coordinating board to hold out-of-state public higher education institutions to criteria similar to those required of public in-state higher education institutions in order for such institutions to operate within this state. The act directs the coordinating board to promulgate rules for the implementation of this act no later than December 31, 2006. This act is identical to SB 286 (2005). DONALD THALHUBER