S. 2140 converts Haskell Indian Nations University from a Bureau of Indian Education program into an independent federally chartered corporation while maintaining its commitment to tuition-free education for Indian students. The bill establishes a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the President with Senate confirmation to govern the university, creates an independent Endowment Board to manage a trust fund starting with $5 million in federal funding, and exempts the university from federal civil service rules while preserving employee benefits and collective bargaining rights. The legislation requires the university to implement Native American hiring preference, maintain its nonprofit and nonpolitical status, remain headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, and submit a facilities master plan to Congress within two years. The bill authorizes at least $27 million in annual appropriations and mandates annual reporting to Congress on all university funding and expenditures. Current employees retain their positions and benefits, and the federal government forgives pre-enactment debts while the university assumes responsibility for all obligations incurred after the law takes effect.
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