Relating to post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities; declaring an emergency.
Summary
SB 977 directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to work with Portland State University and Oregon community colleges to create and expand a post-secondary education program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill is aimed at providing a full college experience for students ages 16 to 26 who need modifications to the standard academic curriculum, including individualized academic support, inclusive campus participation, supported employment, and social engagement opportunities.
The program must connect students who complete a two-year community college pathway with the option to continue in Portland State University’s nondegree Career and Community Studies program. It also encourages partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits to provide employment and community-living supports, and it emphasizes preparing students for post-graduation employment, independent living, and community participation. The bill also supports faculty use of universal design for learning and encourages undergraduate and graduate students to serve in support roles such as academic coaches, peer navigators, and career counselors.
Impact
The bill creates a new state-directed higher education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and requires coordination between HECC, Portland State University, and participating community colleges. It appropriates $600,000 from the General Fund to HECC for PSU’s Career and Community Studies program and $900,000 to support community colleges establishing the new program, thereby affecting higher education funding and program administration. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, under an emergency clause, making the new funding and program requirements immediate for the 2025-27 biennium.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable support, with the Senate committee voting 4-1 to pass the bill with amendments and refer it to Ways and Means by prior reference. The committee action indicates broad agreement on the bill’s goals of expanding educational access and support for students with disabilities, while the amendment process suggests some refinement was needed before advancing the measure. No committee transcript was provided, so the record shows support but not detailed debate.
Contention
The main points of potential contention appear to be fiscal and implementation-related rather than the policy goal itself. The bill requires new General Fund appropriations and coordination across HECC, PSU, and community colleges, which may raise questions about cost, staffing, and the capacity of institutions to build or expand these specialized programs. The one dissenting committee vote suggests at least some concern, but the available materials do not identify the specific objection or whether it related to funding, program design, or administrative burden.