HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 5110

As Amended by the House

BYSenators Gaspard, Bauer, Bailey, Bender, Patterson, Smitherman, Warnke, Saling, Anderson, Zimmerman, Kiskaddon, Rinehart, Garrett, von Reichbauer and Moore

Changing provisions relating to tuition and fee waivers for recipients of the Washington scholars award.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Allen, Basich, Jesernig, Nelson, Silver, Unsoeld, K. Wilson and Wineberry.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Barnes.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments by Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations and not by Committee on Higher Education.  (21)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Allen, Belcher, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Grant, Grimm, Hine, McLean, McMullen, Niemi, Peery, Sayan, Silver, L. Smith, H. Sommers, Sprenkle and B. Williams.

House Staff:      Bill Robinson (786-7142)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 the legislature established the Washington State Scholars program to provide recognition for three high school seniors in each legislative district who had outstanding academic records.  In 1984 the legislature further provided that regional universities, state universities and The Evergreen State College would waive tuition, operating and service and activities fees for two years for recipients attending their respective institutions.

SUMMARY:

Three students residing in each legislative district will be selected for the Washington Scholar Program. These students will be eligible for tuition and fee waivers at any state four-year institution of higher education or community college.  The waivers are limited to undergraduate studies and to twelve quarters or eight semesters.  Students may transfer with the waiver among state higher education institutions.

A student who falls below 3.50 may petition the Higher Education Coordinating Board for a one semester or two quarter probationary status until the student's grade point average meets the required standard.  Students may receive the tuition fee waiver during the probationary period.

Current award recipients are eligible for waivers for four years, and an outdated reporting requirement is repealed.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to adopt rules outlining a procedure to be used by Washington Scholars who wish to decline to use their tuition waiver.  The rules will allow the waiver to be used by a nominee from the same legislative district who was not selected to be a Washington Scholar.

Fiscal Note:      Attached.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Higher Education)  Marilee Hanson, Renton High School.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Higher Education)  None Presented.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Higher Education)  The extension of the waivers from two years to four years will provide an incentive for these excellent students to stay within the state of Washington for their education. The proposed program enhancements may motivate other students to excel academically, and will provide a form of financial assistance that may not otherwise be available to these students.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Higher Education)  None Presented.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.