Legislative Update: Performance-based funding and appeals bond bills see passage

Performance-Based Funding

On Tuesday, the House passed Senate Bill 153, which brings Kentucky one step closer to adopting a new funding model for the states’ public postsecondary institutions, with a 69-25vote.

The bill is a result of action in the 2016 legislative session that created a working group of university presidents, representatives of the governor and legislative leaders to develop a performance-based funding model for the state’s four-year universities as well as the Kentucky Community & Technical College system.

The group crafted the recommendations found in Senate Bill 153.  Three important components of the bill include allocating 35% of the postsecondary institutions’ funding based on degree production and progression toward a degree or a credential. Another 35% would be based on the number of credit hours awarded at each campus. Finally, 30% would be allocated to finance campus services and operations.

During the phase-in stage, 5% of funding would be allocated according to the model. The intent is to eventually allocate 100% of state postsecondary funding based on the performance-based approach.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Appeals Bond

House Bill 72, a bill dealing with planning and zoning of development projects, passed the state Senate Tuesday with a 21-14 vote.

Under House Bill 72, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Miller, a circuit judge would conduct a hearing and issue a determination on whether the case is presumptively frivolous or not.

The judge would then set a bond amount, though there is no minimum amount. Legitimate cases would proceed, but those simply working to delay would have to think twice.

The Senate first voted on House Bill 72 and it received a vote of 18-16.  The bill was later voted on again because it was discovered that because of the emergency clause in the bill it must have 20 votes to pass the Senate. When the Senate took up the bill again it received a vote of 21-14

House Bill 72 now heads back to the House for concurrence where it must receive 51 votes to pass.