The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee and the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee continue to consider proposals on higher education governance. On March 7, the Senate committee, chaired by State Senator Mark Hass (D-Beaverton), held a work session on SB 270, a bill that would establish institutional boards for University of Oregon and Portland State University. The work session was held to adopt a set of amendments to the bill that would replace much of the original content. Oregon Health & Science University President Joe Robertson testified before the committee about the impact of an institutional board for OHSU during a March 5 hearing.

Meanwhile, the House committee, chair by State Representative Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), held a public hearing on HB 2149, the house version of an institutional boards bill. Dembrow has also convened a work group to discuss proposed reforms to post-secondary higher education funding and organization.