SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6626

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Conner, Barr, Saling, Benitz and DeJarnatt)

Requiring an assessment of higher education needs of placebound students.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990; February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6626 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Bauer, Smitherman, Stratton, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Jean Six (786-7423)

                March 2, 1990

House Committe on Higher Education

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Access to higher education opportunities has become increasingly important to the citizens of the state of Washington.  Students need access to state-supported upper division programs leading to a baccalaureate degree.

The branch campus plan being developed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board as one of its responsibilities under the master plan is addressing the needs of the placebound students in the urban areas of the state.  According to the master plan expanding service to residents of rural areas presents a difficult challenge.  Community colleges are able to meet most of the vocational and academic transfer needs in these areas, but upper-division and graduate offerings are lacking.  Telecommunications will be the principal source of upper-division and graduate-level service for smaller urban areas and rural communities.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to conduct an assessment of upper-division and graduate level needs of the placebound students not included in the branch campus initiative.  The board shall consider alternative delivery systems and shall report its recommendations to the Legislature and to the Governor by September 1, 1992.

The focus of the statewide needs assessment is narrowed to a study of the needs of placebound students in Clallam and Jefferson counties.  $35,000 is appropriated to the HEC Board to carry out the assessment program.

Appropriation:  $35,000

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Conner, prime sponsor; Marilyn Baker, HEC Board

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

The needs assessment is expanded to a study of the upper division baccalaureate educational needs of placebound students and the graduate educational needs of teachers living in areas not currently served by either existing four-year institutions or branch campuses.  The intent of the Equal Opportunity Grant program is clarified as a demonstration project to serve placebound financially needy students who have completed the associate of arts degree or its equivalent and who might be influenced by the receipt of enhanced financial aid to attend an institution that has existing unused capacity rather than a branch campus.  Grants may be used at any existing public or private institution with unused capacity in the state of Washington.

Any Amerasian immigrant who is financially needy and is being assisted by the Bureau of Refugee Assistance in the Department of Social and Health Services shall be exempt from paying the nonresidential tuition and fee differential.