Date: 04/04/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-204

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer SB06-204 to the Committee of the Whole. ThePASS



11:50 AM -- Senate Bill 06-204

Representative Madden, prime sponsor, reviewed the provisions of Senate Bill 06-204, concerning appointments to the governing boards of state institutions of higher education. She responded to questions regarding the appointment of gubernatorial-appointed members and confirmation by the Senate. Representative Madden further responded to discussion about balancing qualifications and party affiliation.


11:55 AM

The following persons testified:

11:56 AM -- Myron Hulen, representing the American Association of University Professors, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a packet of letters concerning recent higher education appointments and governing boards (Attachment A). He expressed concern about the lack of faculty input in decision-making and related specific instances on several campuses.

12:02 PM

Dr. Hulen responded to questions from committee members about the examples in the letters he provided. Representative Madden commented on concerns raised by Representative King. Representative Pommer indicated that he feels that the Senate confirmation process provides "checks and balances." Committee discussion continued.

12:12 PM

Dr. Hulen responded to questions about his organization's concern about what it feels is a disregard for faculty on some campuses. The committee discussed the perceptions of the bill and the potential impact of the bill on governing boards and the campus environment.

12:19 PM -- Mark Belkin, representing the American Federation of Teachers - Colorado, testified in support of the bill. He said that the bill may help build trust on the state's campuses. He urged policy and academic leaders to put academic quality and a student-centered approach at the core of decision making.

12:27 PM

Dr. Belkin continued his testimony on the importance, in regard to governing boards, of independence, expertise in higher education, and a partnership with all stakeholders. He responded to questions regarding the criteria set forth in the bill for consideration by the Governor.
BILL:SB06-204
TIME: 12:32:26 PM
MOVED:Paccione
MOTION:Refer SB06-204 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 9-4 roll call vote.
SECONDED:McKinley
VOTE
Benefield
Yes
King
No
Larson
No
Massey
Yes
McKinley
Yes
Penry
Yes
Pommer
Yes
Rose
No
Solano
Yes
Todd
Yes
White
No
Paccione
Yes
Merrifield
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS