FINAL BILL REPORT
2SHB 1433
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. |
C 202 L 18
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Decoupling services and activities fees from tuition.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Stambaugh, Orwall, Haler, Tarleton, Jinkins, Pollet, Stonier, Ryu, Hargrove, Santos and Doglio).
House Committee on Higher Education
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Higher Education
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development
Background:
Services and activities (S&A) fees are used to fund student activities and programs. Governing boards at institutions of higher education may increase the S&A fee annually. The annual increase may not exceed the percentage increase of the annual percentage increase in student tuition fees for resident undergraduate students. The percentage increase does not apply to that portion of the S&A fees previously committed to the repayment of bonded debt. Those adjustments may exceed the fiscal growth factor.
Each institution has an S&A fee committee, and students have a majority of the voting membership on the committee. Student groups and campus programs submit proposals to the S&A fee committee, which reviews the proposals and recommends how S&A fees should be allocated. The S&A fee committee recommends a final budget to the institution's governing board, which is required to give priority consideration to the committee's recommendations.
In the 2013-15 and 2015-17 fiscal biennia, the Legislature authorized governing boards to increase the S&A fees by amounts judged reasonable and necessary by the S&A fee committee and the governing board, as opposed to having the increase tied to tuition.
Summary:
The provision limiting the annual increase of S&A fees to the percentage increase in student tuition fees is removed for the four-year public institutions. Instead, S&A fees may be increased by amounts, not to exceed 4 percent per year, judged reasonable and necessary by the S&A fee committee and the governing board.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 83 | 15 | |
House | 91 | 7 | |
Senate | 41 | 8 |
Effective: | June 7, 2018 |