HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HCR 4434

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Higher Education

Brief Description:  Establishing a joint select committee on higher education.

Sponsors:  Representatives Jacobsen, Brumsickle, Ogden, Quall, Flemming, Sheahan, Schoesler, Orr, Carlson, Wood, Foreman, Basich, Kessler, Bray, Mastin, Rayburn and Anderson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Higher Education, March 3, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 16 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Quall, Vice Chair; Brumsickle, Ranking Minority Member; Sheahan, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Bray; Carlson; Finkbeiner; Flemming; Kessler; Mastin; Ogden; Orr; Rayburn; Shin and Wood.

Staff:  Susan Hosch (786-7120).

Background:  During the 1993 legislative session, the Legislature adopted House Concurrent Resolution 4408.  The resolution recommended the appointment of a citizen-legislator task force to conduct a comprehensive study on funding policies and revenue sources for post-secondary education. 

The resolution suggested that the task force report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board by June 1, 1994.  The recommendations could then be included in the 1995-97 operating budget for post-secondary education.

The task force was to consist of four legislators, the director of the Office of Financial Management, a member of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and a member of the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board.  In addition, the task force was to include up to six citizen members appointed by the Governor.  The resolution recommended the appointment of all task force members by September 1, 1993.  The legislative members of the task force were appointed, but the citizen members have yet to be announced.

Summary of Bill:  The Joint Select Committee on Higher Education is established. The committee will study state higher education policies, including financing of and budgeting for public colleges and universities, management flexibility and accountability, tuition, financial aid, and governance.  The committee will also consider the state's role in providing an affordable, flexible, cost-effective and accountable educational enterprise offering life-long learning.

The committee will consist of 12 voting members; three from each caucus in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  The co-chairs of the committee may invite nonvoting members to assist the committee in its deliberations.  The committee will also consult institutions of higher education, selected state agencies, and other groups and individuals as needed.

The committee will report to the Legislature with its findings and recommendations.  A preliminary report is due by January 5, 1995.  Additional recommendations may be reported by March 15, 1995.  The study will replace the study of funding policies and revenue sources for post-secondary education recommended by HCR 4408.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.