SESSION OF 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON SENATE BILL NO. 481
As Amended by Senate Committee
Brief*
SB 481, as amended, would rename the Kansas State
University Polytechnic Campus to Kansas State University
Salina under law concerning state educational institutions.
Budgeting
The bill would direct that Kansas State University Salina
be considered as a separate line item and State General
Fund account under Kansas State University in budget
documents and appropriations bills, starting in fiscal year (FY)
2025. The bill would remove law defining the institution as a
separate state agency for budgeting purposes.
Technical Education
The bill would amend law to define technical education
at Kansas Statute University Salina to mean vocational or
technical education programs that advance aerospace,
technology, or advanced manufacturing industries.
Insurance
The bill would amend law to allow Kansas State
University Salina to purchase insurance for operation and
testing of project aircraft used for education, training, and
research.
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*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department
and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note
for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.kslegislature.org Conforming and Technical Amendments
The bill would make other conforming and technical
amendments recognizing Kansas State University Salina in
contracts, fiscal matters, and capital projects, and subject the
institution to the authority of the State Board of Regents.
Background
The bill was introduced by the Senate Committee on
Ways and Means at the request of Senator Claeys.
Senate Committee on Ways and Means
In the Senate Committee hearing, a representative of
Kansas State University Salina provided proponent
testimony, stating the institution’s name change would align
with Kansas State University’s multi-campus naming
convention which references geographic location. The
proponent noted that changes to insurance matters are
important as the institution expands the use of aerospace and
drone technology beyond aircraft pilot training. A history of the
institution was provided, including the merger of the former
Kansas College of Technology with Kansas State University
in 1991.
A representative of the Kansas Association of
Community Colleges provided neutral testimony, noting
concerns regarding proposed changes to admissions.
No other testimony was provided.
The Senate Committee amended the bill to:
●Remove all hyphens before the reference to Salina
from the official name;
2- 481 ●Remove language pertaining to credentials, degree
programs, and industry certifications; and
●Remove language pertaining to admission
requirements regarding career technical education,
transfers, and other degree paths.
Fiscal Information
According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of
Budget on the bill, as introduced, Kansas State University
indicates enactment of the bill would have no fiscal effect on
the operations of the university.
Kansas State University; KSU; real estate; State Board of Regents
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