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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
WICHE; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) for 10 years.
Background
WICHE is a regional organization established to facilitate resource
sharing among higher education systems of western states and allow students to
access affordable options for
high-demand fields. WICHE offers three programs for students: the Western
Undergraduate Exchange, the Western Regional Graduate Program and the
Professional Student Exchange Program (ABOR).
WICHE may act on behalf of Arizona to make arrangements for the placement of students in institutions and programs of higher learning outside the state. For that purpose, the WICHE Commission may negotiate and enter into arrangements and contracts with the Arizona Board of Regents, public and private educational institutions, agencies and with other states. Such arrangements and contracts may provide for: 1) the obtaining of one or more places for students on either a special or continuing basis; 2) the payment of partial or full tuition and other charges not to exceed the cost of agreements within the Compact area; and 3) the furnishing of reciprocal, compensating or other advantages and benefits in support of the educational program involved (A.R.S. § 15-1743).
The Senate Education Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on January 21, 2026, to review and evaluate WICHE's response to the sunset review factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue WICHE for 10 years, until July 1, 2036 (COR Report). WICHE terminates on July 1, 2026, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3026.10).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2026, WICHE until July 1, 2036.
2. Repeals WICHE on January 1, 2037.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactivity provision as noted.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 2, 2026
MH/SM/hk