PHOENIX - The higher education reform bill that failed in the Senate last week passed the Arizona House of Representatives yesterday.

The bill, formerly identified as HB2079, now labeled as SB1109, would fund universities and community colleges based on the number of full-time students enrolled, would allow certain community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees and would turn Eastern Arizona College into a liberal arts college, among other things.

The bill has been much debated and holds the support of community colleges across the state while the universities opposed it. University representatives have said higher education reform should not be attempted before it can be adequately studied to determine what changes are necessary. Community college representatives have said the bill allows increased access and affordability for students in all areas of the state.

The first version passed in the House in March by a 31-24 vote (with five members not voting), but failed in the Senate Appropriations committee last week. The bill was brought back in a slightly different version this week and passed yesterday by 31-28, with one member not voting.

The new bill includes implementation of a committee to study the impact of four-year baccalaureate degrees on those community colleges choosing to offer them.

The bill will next be considered by the full Senate.