Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Mann
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federally chartered corporation to give Haskell Indian Nations University greater independence from the Bureau of Indian Education. The bill would convert the existing institution into a private-law style university governed by a tribal-led Board that can manage operations, raise private funds, and retain a federal grant relationship.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Tuition-free tribal university with federal funding
This bill would create Haskell Indian Nations University as a federally chartered, nonprofit school. Enrolled members of Indian Tribes would be able to attend tuition-free and earn accredited degrees or certificates. The Interior Department would provide grants. Congress would be asked to fund at least $27 million each year, available starting June 1 and usable through September 30 of the next year; two appropriations could be made in one year to shift to that timing. It would also authorize a $5 million trust fund contribution in fiscal year 2026 and at least $5 million more for trust purposes.
New job rules for University workers
If enacted, federal civil-service rules would not apply to the University. Civil-service positions at Haskell would end on enactment, and new hires would not be under title 5. Most current staff would keep their jobs and pay, their annual and sick leave would carry over if they transfer without a break, and unused annual leave would be paid or transferred under federal rules. Workers would be covered by federal collective bargaining rules, could appeal certain non-rehire or discharge decisions to the Board, and would receive workers’ compensation under federal law. Current staff and new applicants would need background checks that meet federal education agency standards, and the Board would certify each year by September 1 that all employees were checked.
New Board, budget, and campus plan
This bill would set up a Board of 15 voting members plus a nonvoting student member. The President would appoint members with Senate confirmation, nomination rules would be published within 90 days, and initial members would get FBI and OPM background checks; the Board would set ongoing standards. The Board could hire, set pay and benefits, and remove the President with 11 of 15 votes; the current President would serve as Interim, and the Board would need to appoint a President within 2 years. The Board would send an initial budget to Congress within 180 days after confirmations and then each year by April 1 for the next two fiscal years; Congress would not count private fundraising when deciding funding. The Board would submit a campus master plan within 2 years and update it within 2 years and at least every 5 years.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mann
KS • R
Cosponsors
Schmidt
KS • R
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]
AZ • R
Sponsored 6/27/2025
Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
MS • R
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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