PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – A bill that would change the name of the four state technical institutes to colleges sailed through its first committee hearing.

Representative Hugh Bartels of Watertown is the sponsor of the bill.

Bartels says most of the tech schools are seen as colleges now.

Tech School Board Executive Director Nick Wendell says the mission of the schools won’t change.

The bill passed out of the House Education Committee on a 15-0 vote but was amended so it will have to be debated on the House floor.

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