SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1124

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Higher Education, March 24, 1997

Title:  An act relating to disclosure of state support received by higher education students.

Brief Description:  Requiring that information about state higher education support be given to students with their tuition and fee bills.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Carlson, Mason, Radcliff, Hatfield, Chopp, Lantz, O'Brien, Kessler, Murray, Gombosky, Morris and Costa).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  3/20/97, 3/24/97 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Wood, Chair; Bauer, Kohl, Patterson, Prince, Sheldon and West.

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  Since 1993, institutions of higher education have been required to provide information annually to students on the approximate amount of the state contribution to the students= education.  The information is developed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  It includes the support received by students attending each public baccalaureate institution and the community and technical colleges as a whole.  It also includes the amount of financial aid received by students attending independent institutions.  

Institutions may provide the information in any format deemed appropriate for students.  The format may include posters, handouts, and information in registration packets.

Summary of Bill:  Beginning with the 1997 fall academic term, at the beginning of each academic term, public and independent institutions of higher education must provide information to students on the approximate amount of the state=s contribution to the students= education.  The information is distributed through one or more of the following means: registration materials, class schedules, tuition and fee-billing packets, student newspapers, or through e-mail or kiosks.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  It is important for students to know that their public higher education is significantly subsidized by the state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Don Carlson, prime sponsor.