Oregon House OKs ‘tuition transparency’ bill

The Student Voice & Transparency Act, House Bill 4141, passed the Oregon House Tuesday on a 57-2 vote. Backers said the legislation seeks to increase transparency in the tuition-setting process and give students a larger voice in the process.

Under the legislation, universities would be required to establish a tuition advisory council. If a university requests a tuition increase over 5 percent, it must submit all written reports of the tuition advisory council to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, including dissenting opinions. The HECC is responsible for approving tuition increases.

“Students deserve a voice, and students know what those terms should look like,” said Rep. Diego Hernandez, chief sponsor of the legislation. “This bill gives students the ability to access information in a transparent way. Who better to hold our institutions accountable than those most impacted by any tuition changes?”

Among the things the council would be required to do are: consider the impacts of tuition increases on historically underserved students; provide meaningful opportunities for students to participate in the process and deliberations of the advisory body; and provide a written report to the university president that sets forth the recommendations, deliberations, and observations of the advisory body regarding tuition and mandatory enrollment fees for the next academic year, including any minority reports.

“Tuition is a lifelong investment, and that is why it is important for student voices to be heard,” Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Happy Valley) said. “This legislation ensures that students will have a meaningful say in how tuition is set.”

Oregon House Democrats said in a news release they “are committed to investing in quality public education, including making community colleges and universities more affordable.”

The sponsors of House Bill 4141 include Rep. Alissa Keny – Guyer (D-Portland), Rep. Susan McLain (D-Forest Grove), Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland), Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego), Rep. Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), and Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay). Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon (D-Woodburn), Rep. Bynum , and Rep. Dallas Heard (R-Myrtle Creek), join Rep. Hernandez as co-chief sponsors.

The legislation now goes to the Oregon Senate for consideration.