FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2313

C 228 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the meeting procedures of the boards of trustees and boards of regents of institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Zeiger, Carlyle, Probst, Wilcox, Anderson, Haler, Fagan, Reykdal, Springer, Buys, Pollet, Wylie, Crouse, Jinkins, Moscoso and Overstreet).

House Committee on Higher Education

Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

Background:

The Open Public Meetings Act (Act) requires that all meetings of governing bodies of public agencies be open and public with certain limited exceptions. Public agencies include state educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, and community college districts. Governing bodies include multimember boards, such as boards of regents and boards of trustees. The Act outlines certain procedures for meetings at which action is taken by governing boards of public agencies. It does not require governing bodies to allow the public to speak at public meetings.

Governing boards of four-year institutions of higher education are authorized to set full-time tuition fees for all students, beginning with the 2011-12 academic year through the 2014-15 academic year. Prior to reducing or increasing tuition, governing boards must consult with certain student associations regarding the impacts of potential tuition increases. Governing boards also must provide certain financial aid data.

Summary:

The requirement that governing boards of all institutions of higher education follow procedures for open public meetings in the Open Public Meetings Act is restated. Governing boards also must provide time for public comment at meetings.

Governing boards of four-year institutions of higher education are also required to make public their proposals for tuition and fee increases 21 days before considering adoption, and to allow opportunity for public comment. This requirement applies from the 2011-12 academic year through the 2014-15 academic year. This requirement does not apply if the omnibus appropriations act has not passed the Legislature by May 15.

Votes on Final Passage: