Relating to programs offered by community colleges that duplicate existing programs provided by private educational institutions or vocational institutions offering a career and technical education program

This bill relates to programs offered by community colleges that duplicate existing programs provided by private educational institutions or vocational institutions offering a career and technical education program. Current law provides that if an existing private educational institution or an existing vocational institution offering a career and technical education program within a community college’s area has facilities and curriculum of adequate size and quality that would duplicate the functions of the community college, the board of directors of the community college is required to discuss with the institution the possibility of entering into contracts to have the existing institution offer facilities and curriculum to students of the community college. Current law also provides that if the board elects not to enter into such contracts, the board is required to submit a list of reasons why contracts to avoid duplication were not entered into and an economic impact statement. Current law establishes standards the members of the board are required to consider when determining whether such duplication exists. The bill strikes these provisions. The bill provides that if an institution has facilities and curriculum of adequate size and quality that would duplicate the functions of the community college, the board shall not duplicate an existing program provided by the institution.