Higher educational institutions, public; information relating to pledges and donations. (HB2386)
Introduced By
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Public institutions of higher education; information relating to pledges and donations. Requires public institutions of higher education, when accepting a donation, gift, or similar financial support that is conditioned upon the acceptance of certain terms and conditions by the public institution of higher education, to provide the donor with a written document acknowledging the public institution of higher education's acceptance of such terms and conditions. The bill requires the public institution of higher education to retain a copy of such document and provides that such document shall be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill provides that no discretionary exclusion in FOIA shall apply to protect information relating to the amount, date, purpose, and terms of a pledge or donation made to a public institution of higher education. The bill provides that the identity of the donor shall be protected only if (a) the donor has requested anonymity in connection with or as a condition of making a pledge or donation and (b) the pledge or donation does not impose terms or conditions related to academic decision-making. Read the Bill »
Outcome
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/08/2019 | Committee |
| 01/08/2019 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/19 19104138D |
| 01/08/2019 | Referred to Committee on Education |
| 01/18/2019 | Assigned Education sub: Subcommittee #3 |
| 01/30/2019 | Impact statement from DPB (HB2386) |
| 02/05/2019 | Left in Education |
Comments
In light of the problems exposed at George Mason University regarding gift agreements that violated principles of academic freedom and academic integrity, reform to gift acceptance processes are critical. HB2386 will provide a much needed level of transparency within the academy and provide the public with a mechanism for reviewing the terms and conditions of gifts. This oversight is needed to protect academic freedom. I urge passage of this important piece of legislation.