1. I. The committee shall study, among other things, the following:

   1. (a) The operation of public higher education.
   2. (b) The goals and purposes of public higher education.
   3. (c) The organization of public higher education.
   4. (d) The size of public higher education.
   5. (e) The financing of public higher education.
   6. (f) Any other areas which will act as a guide to the legislature and trustees in formulating policies for the future.

   7. (g) The economic effects of student activities on higher education campuses as reported in studies by the university system of New Hampshire and municipalities. The committee shall study possible solutions and recommend legislation. Possible solutions for the committee to study include payments to the municipalities by institutions of higher education in lieu of taxes; additional fees or assessments; and any other remedy suggested by the municipalities affected by higher education campuses.

      I-a. In addition to the duties set forth in paragraph I, the committee shall study the feasibility of granting state franchise rights to the providers of on-line education courses which may include but is not limited to, the institutions of the university system of New Hampshire and the regional community-technical college system. The committee may consult with any individual or organization with information or expertise relevant to this aspect of the committee's duties.

      I-b. In addition to the duties set forth in paragraph I, the committee shall monitor the transition of the regional community-technical college system to a self-governing community college system.

2. II. The committee shall act as liaison between the university system, the community college system of New Hampshire, the general court, and the public to promote better understanding and communications between public higher education, the general court, and the public.
3. III. The committee shall hold at least 4 meetings per year to be called by the chairperson.

Source. 1995, 292:2. 1998, 260:3. 2001, 221:1. 2003, 49:1. 2007, 361:12, 13, eff. July 17, 2007.