Morgan Watkins

@morganwatkins26

Legislation that would abolish the University of Louisville’s board of trustees and allow Gov. Matt Bevin to appoint a brand-new one for the second time during his first term in office is on its way to the governor’s desk.

Bevin first reorganized the U of L board last summer using an executive order, which is the target of an unresolved lawsuit brought by Attorney General Andy Beshear. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools recently put the university on probation, citing concerns about Bevin’s actions.

But Republicans leaders in the General Assembly hope to resolve the situation, at least in part, by wiping the slate clean for U of L.

►READ MORE: These bills are heading to Gov. Bevin's desk

►RELATED: Students worried about U of L bill

After a lengthy debate Saturday evening, the state House of Representatives approved legislation that would abolish the university’s current board but would not approve the replacement board Bevin unilaterally created last year. Instead, the bill would let Bevin appoint a new, 10-member board of trustees, which would be subject to confirmation by the Kentucky Senate.

The Senate already approved the U of L legislation earlier this week, so the House’s 57-35 vote in favor of the bill on Saturday means the proposal can now be signed into law by the governor.

Democrats urged their colleagues to wait before voting on the U of L proposal because approving it now would be too risky, citing concerns about the school’s accreditation situation.

“There’s only one sanction beyond probation, and that is taking accreditation away from a university,” Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said. “SACS doesn’t play games. They’re nonpartisan. They’re tough, and they think that you should abide by the rules that they lay down.”