Lawmakers pause higher ed bill that would make presidential searches more transparent

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A bill (SB 1726) to make university presidential searches more transparent has been temporarily postponed on the Senate floor.

Gov. Ron DeSantis previously warned that he is against the proposal and would veto it if the bill was sent to his desk. But that didn’t stop the companion measure (HB 1321) from clearing the House with a 104-8 vote April 16.

The bill would make all presidential candidates — not just the finalists — public during searches at Florida’s universities and two-year state colleges.

The bill would repeal a 2022 law making the candidates’ applications exempt from public record. Lawmakers previously argued that applicants needed to be shielded in order for schools to get good candidates, as no one wants their employer to find out they’re looking for other jobs.

After the law was changed, the University of Florida’s 2022 presidential search ended up with only one infamous finalist — Ben Sasse.

Sasse later resigned, citing his wife’s health. Additional media reports revealed Sasse spent millions of dollars on lavish parties and hired GOP allies to work remotely for UF with cushy salaries.

The bill also would make several changes, including establishing term limits for members of the state education boards. It would no longer require the Florida Board of Governors’ vote for confirming a university’s new President, leaving that decision solely with the school’s Board of Trustees.

The House bill’s sponsor, Rep. Michelle Salzman, argued the legislation isn’t aimed at DeSantis or Sasse but is about good governance and making Florida schools more transparent.

DeSantis has clashed with House Republicans in growing tensions over immigration policy, the budget and Hope Florida in recent months.

DeSantis threatened to veto any legislation that would take the Governor’s Office out of college searches and complained the House GOP “do not want elected officials to hold universities accountable.”