SENATE 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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Higher Education, February 16, 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.

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/09/17, 2/16/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows enrollees in high school occupational programs at technical colleges to receive a diploma upon completion of an associates degree.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wilson, Chair; Bailey, Vice Chair; Palumbo, Ranking Minority Member; Baumgartner and Frockt.

Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)

Background: High School Diplomas. School districts must issue diplomas to students signifying graduation from high school upon the students' satisfactory completion of all local and state graduation requirements.

High School Degrees at Community or Technical College. A community or technical college (CTC) may issue a high school diploma or certificate to an individual:

who meets the requirements for high school completion, subject to rules adopted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education;
who completes an associate degree program through Running Start; or
who is 21 years or older and enrolls in a CTC and obtains an associates degree;

Contracts for Occupational and Academic Programs. CTCs may contract with local common school districts to provide occupational and academic programs for high school students. Technical colleges may enter into inter-local agreements with local school districts to provide instruction in courses required for high school graduation, basic skills, and literacy for students enrolled in technical college programs.

Summary of Bill: Anyone who enrolls in a technical college through an occupational and academic high school program operated through a contract between a CTC and a local school district, satisfactorily completes an associate degree, must be awarded a diploma from the college upon written request.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There needs to be a fairer pathway for students in technical high schools who are in need of their degree. This is an attempt to better approach the transition from high school into two-year training and vocational programs. It is an issue that running start students can receive their diploma, but students who attend a technical high school cannot. There are only three technical high school programs in the state. Currently, these students have to wait until they are 21 to access their diploma. Since they do not have a diploma, these students currently cannot receive financial aid to attend a 4-year program, if they wish to go on with their education. This diploma could also assist these students finding employment upon completion of their program.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Conway, Prime Sponsor; Dave Chappell, Bates Technocal College; Joyce Loveday, Clover Park Technical College; Loren Davis, Clover Park Technical College; Troy Goracke, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.