FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1277

C 19 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Gaining independence for students by creating the educational assistance grant program for financially needy students with dependents.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Cox, Jarrett, Chase, Veloria, Kessler and Upthegrove).

House Committee on Higher Education

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Background:

Financially needy students with dependents may incur expenses for childcare and other dependent-related needs. The State Need Grant Program provides a supplemental childcare allowance to recipients with qualifying dependents. The childcare supplement is administered at the campus level. The maximum childcare supplement for the 2002-03 school year was $643.

Summary:

The Educational Assistance Grant Program for Students with Dependents (Program) is created. The Program is funded by private endowments only and is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB). The Program Account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. The HECB may solicit and receive endowments from private sources for the use and benefit of the Program. The HECB administrative duties are triggered when the Program Account balance reaches $500,000.

Students with dependents under the age of 18 years who participate in the State Need Grant Program are eligible for a minimum grant of $1,000 per academic year. Individual awards are determined according to criteria developed by the HECB and according to the student's documented financial need. The HECB is authorized to adjust the amount of the award to account for any supplanting or reduction of any other grant, scholarship, or tax program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 95  0

Senate 47  0

Effective: July 27, 2003