State Legislation Relating to Community and Junior Colleges, 1976. Report No. 27.

This document presents an analysis of state legislation enacted and proposed in 1976 related to community and junior colleges. Data for this analysis were obtained from two sources--personal replies to a survey of state directors of community and junior colleges, and actual legislative documents from the states. Following an introductory section, the second section of the report reviews five "critical issues" identified by the state directors as attracting legislative attention and action in 1976: finance, governance, institutional growth, legislative support, and personnel. Of these, finance was perceived to be of greatest importance. The third section, based on analysis of enacted legislation and proposed bills reported out of committee, summarizes legislative activity in the areas of finance, administration, physical facilities, institutional growth, personnel, students, and academic programs. The fourth section provides a separate analysis of legislative action related to the legal bases for "community-based, performance-oriented" educational programs. Section five presents a summary of trends and conclusions. Appendices include an annotated list of enacted and proposed legislation for each state and a subject index to the legislation. (JDS)