HB 2961

Abstract

Establishes legislative findings relating to expanding need-based financial aid opportunities, ensuring that historically underrepresented students have increased access to wraparound services and support programs at post-secondary institutions of education and increasing levels of targeted state investment that result in increased student service levels. Requires Higher Education Coordinating Commission to regularly evaluate administrative rules relating to distribution of grants and financial aid and, to degree permitted by law, amend rules to ensure enrollment needs of adult Oregonians who are currently in professional workforce are met in equitable manner. Requires commission to establish program to enable post-secondary institutions of education to provide current high school students with services and outreach regarding transitioning from high school to post-secondary institutions of education. Requires commission to establish block grant program that allows any public institution of higher education to apply for block grant for any program desired by institution. Requires Department of Early Learning and Care to conduct comprehensive review of Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program and child care centers located at post-secondary institutions of education to determine combination of direct student support and state grants that best meets needs of greatest number of student parents enrolled at post-secondary institutions of education. Requires department to submit report to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to higher education detailing findings of review. Requires each public institution of higher education to internally develop integrated network that includes all student support services and provide each enrolled student with liaison to help student navigate and utilize integrated network. Authorizes commission to award Oregon Opportunity Grant awards in excess of maximum statutory amount to low-income students. Sunsets authority on June 30, 2025. Appropriates moneys to commission. Appropriates $5,000,000 to Higher Education Coordinating Commission for allocation to expand scope and community reach of college access and success programs at public universities and community colleges.] Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2023.