SENATE BILL 77 OPENS THE DOOR FOR POST-SECONDARY DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

SENATE BILL 77 OPENS THE DOOR FOR

 POST-SECONDARY DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2025)—Senate Bill (SB) 77, sponsored by Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, was recently signed by the Governor. The bill empowers the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to make judgments on additional academic offerings and consider proposals for new doctoral programs submitted by Kentucky universities such as Ph.D., veterinary medicine, or osteopathic programs.

“SB 77 gives much greater authority and latitude to CPE while ensuring smaller universities have a voice when decisions are made,” 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 university to submit a proposal for a new doctoral program based on regional performance and require the university to meet certain benchmarks,

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

-the council will review any new program approved at least once every five years, 

-instructions for how programs studied under the 2024 Regular Session Senate Joint Resolution 170 should be handled, including the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky doctoral degree program approval process is consistent,

-a university seeking to offer a new doctoral degree program that certifies that the new doctoral degree program will not require additional general fund appropriations for capital or operating expenses beyond the regular appropriations will submit a proposal to the CPE for review and approval through a process developed by the council, and

-a university seeking to offer a new doctoral program that may require additional general fund appropriations for capital or operating expenses beyond the university's regular appropriations, will submit a proposal to CPE for review and evaluation. The CPE will review each proposal submitted and make a recommendation to the General Assembly on the viability of the proposed program.

SB 77 updates the membership eligibility for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), which oversees teacher certification standards across the commonwealth. It also allows the governor to appoint either the chief academic officer or the head of the educator preparation program at Kentucky institutions.

The EPSB consists of 15 members appointed by the governor. It 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.

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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 Full Res Images/senate110.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Deneen.