Idaho Bill Would Let Colleges Opt Out of State Services

 BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho House of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow public universities and colleges to opt out of some state services if they show they can provide the service cheaper or more efficiently. Idaho Falls Republican Rep. Wendy Horman says the legislation will give Idaho's higher education institutions the flexibility to manage their own administrative infrastructures in ways that could reduce costs for students. For instance, schools could opt out of the state's risk management insurance program or the Idaho Technology Authority if they can obtain those services more cheaply or efficiently through a competitive bidding process. The schools would have to give 18 months' notice before making a change. The bill now goes to the Senate.