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Bill

A 256

Prohibits the use of state aid by colleges and universities to fund or provide membership in academic institutions that are boycotting a country or higher education institutions of a country

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alicia Hyndman and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 256 prohibits state aid for colleges that support academic institutions boycotting specific countries, impacting funding and international collaboration opportunities.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 256

Summary of Bill A 256

Bill Number: A 256
Title: Prohibits the use of state aid by colleges and universities to fund or provide membership in academic institutions that are boycotting a country or higher education institutions of a country
Status: Referred to Higher Education
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 256 aims to restrict the use of state financial aid by colleges and universities in relation to their affiliations with academic institutions that participate in boycotts against specific countries or their higher education institutions. The intent of the bill is to ensure that state funds are not used to support or endorse academic boycotts, which the bill's proponents may view as politically motivated actions that could undermine diplomatic relations or academic collaboration.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on State Aid: The bill explicitly prohibits colleges and universities from using state aid to fund or provide membership in any academic institution that is engaged in a boycott against a country or its higher education institutions.

  • Definition of Boycotts: While the bill does not provide a detailed definition of what constitutes a boycott, it implies that any organized effort to withdraw support or participation in academic activities with institutions in certain countries would fall under this prohibition.

  • Enforcement Mechanism: The bill may include provisions for monitoring compliance among state-funded institutions, although specific enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the provided information.

Affected Parties

  • Colleges and Universities: All public colleges and universities that receive state aid will be directly impacted by this legislation, as they will need to review their affiliations and funding practices in light of the new restrictions.

  • Academic Institutions: Institutions that are currently involved in boycotts against specific countries may find their memberships or partnerships jeopardized due to the prohibition on state funding.

  • Students and Faculty: The bill could indirectly affect students and faculty members at these institutions by limiting their opportunities for collaboration and exchange with international academic partners.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:

    • S 4837
    • A 7340
    • A 420
    • A 716

These related bills may provide context or additional insights into the legislative intent and historical discussions surrounding academic boycotts and state funding.

Conclusion

Bill A 256 represents a significant legislative effort to regulate the use of state funds in relation to academic institutions' political stances. By prohibiting state aid for institutions involved in boycotts, the bill seeks to influence the landscape of higher education funding and international academic relations. Further developments in the legislative process will clarify its implications and enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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