BILL REQ. #:  H-3391.1 

Read first time 01/11/12.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the meeting procedures of the boards of trustees and boards of regents of institutions of higher education; and amending RCW 28B.20.105, 28B.30.120, 28B.35.110, 28B.40.110, and 28B.50.100.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.20.105 and 2011 c 336 s 717 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall organize by electing from its membership a president and an executive committee, of which committee the president shall be ex officio chair. The board may adopt bylaws or rules and regulations for its own government and follow procedures for open public meetings in chapter 42.30 RCW. The board shall provide time for public comment at each meeting. The board shall hold regular quarterly meetings, and during the interim between such meetings the executive committee may transact business for the whole board: PROVIDED, That the executive committee may call special meetings of the whole board when such action is deemed necessary.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.30.120 and 1979 ex.s. c 103 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     Meetings of the board of regents may be called in such manner as the board may prescribe((,)) and follow procedures for open public meetings in chapter 42.30 RCW. A full meeting of the board shall be called at least once a year. The board shall provide time for public comment at each meeting. No vacancy in said board shall impair the rights of the remaining members of the board.

Sec. 3   RCW 28B.35.110 and 2011 c 336 s 727 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each board of regional university trustees shall hold at least two regular meetings each year, at such times as may be provided by the board and following procedures for open public meetings in chapter 42.30 RCW. Each board shall provide time for public comment at each meeting. Special meetings shall be held as may be deemed necessary, whenever called by the chair or by a majority of the board. Public notice of all meetings shall be given in accordance with chapter 42.32 RCW.

Sec. 4   RCW 28B.40.110 and 2011 c 336 s 733 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board of The Evergreen State College trustees shall hold at least two regular meetings each year, at such times as may be provided by the board and following procedures for open public meetings in chapter 42.30 RCW. The board shall provide time for public comment at each meeting. Special meetings shall be held as may be deemed necessary, whenever called by the chair or by a majority of the board. Public notice of all meetings shall be given in accordance with chapter 42.32 RCW.

Sec. 5   RCW 28B.50.100 and 2011 c 336 s 739 are each amended to read as follows:
     There is hereby created a board of trustees for each college district as set forth in this chapter. Each board of trustees shall be composed of five trustees, who shall be appointed by the governor for terms commencing October 1st of the year in which appointed. In making such appointments the governor shall give consideration to geographical diversity, and representing labor, business, women, and racial and ethnic minorities, in the membership of the boards of trustees. The boards of trustees for districts containing technical colleges shall include at least one member from business and one member from labor.
     The successors of the trustees initially appointed shall be appointed by the governor to serve for a term of five years except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of any term shall be appointed only for the remainder of the term. Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
     Every trustee shall be a resident and qualified elector of the college district. No trustee may be an employee of the community and technical college system, a member of the board of directors of any school district, or a member of the governing board of any public or private educational institution.
     Each board of trustees shall organize itself by electing a chair from its members. The board shall adopt a seal and may adopt such bylaws, rules, and regulations as it deems necessary for its own government. Three members of the board shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may adjourn from time to time and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner as prescribed in its bylaws, rules, or regulations. The district president, or if there be none, the president of the college, shall serve as, or may designate another person to serve as, the secretary of the board, who shall not be deemed to be a member of the board.
     Each board of trustees shall follow procedures for open public meetings in chapter 42.30 RCW. Each board shall provide time for public comment at each meeting.
     Members of the boards of trustees may be removed for misconduct or malfeasance in office in the manner provided by RCW 28B.10.500.