SENATE BILL 77 GIVES CPE ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY TO APPROVE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

Also expands representation on Education Professional Standards Board

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2025) – The Kentucky House of Representatives passed Sen. Matt Deneen’s, R-Elizabethtown, Senate Bill (SB) 77 and promptly delivered it to the governor. The bill empowers the Council on Postsecondary Education to make judgments on additional academic offerings and consider a proposal for a new doctoral program submitted by a comprehensive university such as Ph.D., veterinary medicine, or osteopathic programs, provided that the university meets additional performance criteria. 

“SB 77 grants the Council on Postsecondary Education the authority to approve new doctoral programs, including Ph.D., veterinary medicine, and osteopathic programs, if the university meets established performance criteria,” said Deneen. “The bill sets clear guidelines and requirements for approval, with additional considerations when state funding is involved. These changes give institutions more flexibility to expand their academic programs while helping address critical workforce needs in Kentucky.”

SB 77 requires

  • additional performance criteria for a comprehensive university to submit a proposal for a new doctoral program based on regional performance. The university must meet certain benchmarks,

  • that the comprehensive university be responsible for the resources necessary to evaluate a proposal for a new doctoral program, 

  • the council reviews the proposal and issues a recommendation to the General Assembly on the proposal and be included in the council's budget request for the next biennial budget, 

  • the council to review any new program approved at least once every five years, 

  • that a new doctoral program would not require additional general fund appropriations, 

  • instructions for how programs studied under 24 RS Senate Joint Resolution 170 should be handled; include that the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky doctoral degree program approval process should be consistent.

SB 77 also updates the membership eligibility for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), which oversees teacher certification standards across the Commonwealth. 

Currently, the Governor appoints a chief academic officer (CAO) from an independent not-for-profit college or university to serve on the EPSB. However, because some of these institutions do not have a CAO, SB 77 expands eligibility to allow the Governor to appoint either the CAO or the head of the educator preparation program at those institutions.

“This legislation ensures that all independent not-for-profit colleges and universities have a fair opportunity to be represented on the EPSB,” said Deneen. “By broadening the pool of eligible appointees, we are strengthening our commitment to high-quality teacher preparation and ensuring a more inclusive approach to shaping education policy.”

The EPSB consists of fifteen members appointed by the Governor and plays a critical role in establishing teacher certification standards and maintaining the quality of Kentucky’s educator workforce. 

By expanding eligibility for board membership, SB 77 ensures that all independent not-for-profit colleges and universities can participate in the decision-making process that affects teacher preparation and certification standards statewide.

The Senate concurred on the changes made by the House and SB 77 was delivered to the governor.  The governor can sign the bill, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto the bill.  For more on SB 77, go to the Legislative Research Commission here.

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Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, represents the 10th Senate District, including Hardin County and part of Jefferson County. Deneen serves as chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee and co-chairs the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Families and Children, and Judiciary. Additionally, Deneen serves on the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate110.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of Deneen.