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Bill

SB 343

Requiring the state board of regents to adopt rules and regulations to prohibit state moneys from being allocated for certain low-earning outcome programs and prohibiting political subdivisions from allocating state moneys for certain low-earning outcome programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 343 prohibits Kansas from funding educational programs with low graduate earnings, shifting higher education toward outcome-based accountability but risking elimination of socially valuable lower-paid career paths.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 343

Legislative bill overview

SB 343 requires Kansas's state board of regents to establish rules preventing state funding for educational programs with poor employment outcomes. The bill also prohibits local political subdivisions from using state money for these same underperforming programs, creating accountability measures tied to graduate earnings.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects which academic and vocational programs receive public funding, potentially influencing what educational opportunities students can access. It reflects a policy shift toward outcome-based funding rather than traditional enrollment-based support, which could reshape higher education and workforce development priorities across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill references "certain low-earning outcome programs" without specifying thresholds, metrics, or timelines for determining what qualifies as "low-earning," leaving implementation details unclear
  • Program elimination risk: Restricting funding for programs with lower average earnings (humanities, social services, education) could eliminate socially valuable but lower-paid career paths while disadvantaging students unable to pursue high-income fields
  • Equity concerns: Programs serving lower-income or underrepresented populations may have lower average earnings due to student demographics rather than program quality, potentially defunding institutions serving disadvantaged communities
  • Regional economic variation: Earnings outcomes vary significantly by geography and job market conditions, which a statewide metric may not capture effectively

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

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