HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5640

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.

As Passed House:

April 7, 2017

Title: An act relating to technical college high school diploma programs.

Brief Description: Concerning technical college diploma programs.

Sponsors: Senators Conway, Cleveland, Frockt, Zeiger and Saldaña.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education: 3/14/17, 3/22/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/7/17, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows students who complete their associate degrees at a technical college to be awarded their high school diplomas.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Pollet, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Orwall, Sells, Stambaugh and Tarleton.

Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

Community and technical colleges (CTCs) may contract with local common school districts to provide occupational and academic programs for high school students. The Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment Program allows students who have dropped out of high school or have been suspended to attend a technical college. Students must be at least 16 years of age and under 21 years of age and complete other minimum admission standards.

The CTCs may issue high school diplomas to students who complete an associate degree program through Running Start and to individuals who complete an associate degree and are over the age of 21.

Summary of Bill:

A student who enrolls in a technical college under a program operated through a contract between the technical college and the local common school district, and who completes their associates degree, must be awarded a high school diploma from the college, upon written request from the student.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is about creating more pathways. Some students have to wait until they are 21 years old to get their high school diploma, and this bill will allow the technical colleges to award diplomas when the student completes their associates degrees.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Conway, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.