Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 1251
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Increasing membership on the opportunity scholarship board.
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Carlyle, Seaquist, Harris, Maxwell, Takko, Kochmar, Vick, MacEwen, Fitzgibbon, Morrell, Tarleton, Haler, Riccelli and Bergquist.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/13
Staff: Madeleine Thompson (786-7304).
Background:
Opportunity Scholarship and Opportunity Expansion Programs.
Legislation enacted in 2011 created the Opportunity Scholarship and the Opportunity Expansion programs with the purpose of mitigating tuition increases, increasing the number of baccalaureate degrees, and investing in students and programs to meet labor market demands. The scholarships are funded by a combination of private and state moneys. The expansion awards are funded with voluntary contributions of high technology research and development tax credits.
Opportunity Scholarship Board.
The Opportunity Scholarship and the Opportunity Expansion programs are overseen by the Opportunity Scholarship Board (Board), comprising seven members appointed by the Governor. With respect to two of these appointments, the Governor is to consider names from a list provided by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Four of the persons appointed by the Governor must be foundation or business and industry representatives from the state's most productive industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, health sciences, information technology, and others. The foundation or business and industry members are to be selected from a list of nominees provided by the private sector donors to the Opportunity Scholarship and the Opportunity Expansion programs. The Governor may request that the donors submit an additional list or lists of nominees. Board members hold their offices for a term of four years. The Chair of the Board is elected by the Board members from among the business and industry representatives on the Board.
Summary of Bill:
Two foundation or business and industry representatives appointed by the Governor are added to the Opportunity Scholarship Board. The total number of Opportunity Board members is increased from seven to nine members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 28, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.