HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1702

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 House Committee On:

College & Workforce Development

Title: An act relating to informing students of low-cost course materials for community and technical college courses.

Brief Description: Informing students of low-cost course materials for community and technical college courses.

Sponsors: Representatives Van Werven, Leavitt, Kraft, Entenman, Rude, Sutherland, Dye, Gildon, Slatter, Chambers, Graham, Caldier, Eslick, Mosbrucker, Young, Jinkins, Bergquist, Doglio and Pollet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

College & Workforce Development: 2/5/19, 2/8/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires community and technical colleges to designate during registration whether course materials are "low-cost."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COLLEGE & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Leavitt, Vice Chair; Van Werven, Ranking Minority Member; Gildon, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Graham, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Kraft, Paul, Pollet, Ramos, Rude, Sells, Slatter, Sutherland and Young.

Staff: Alaura Valley (786-7291) Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

ctcLink Requirements.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has begun implementing a single, centralized software system for each of the 34 community and technical colleges in which students, faculty, and staff will have access to a variety of tools online. The ctcLink system has been implemented at Tacoma Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, and Spokane Community College thus far.

After a community or technical college has implemented the ctcLink system, the college must provide to students during registration both the cost of any required textbook or other course material and whether the course uses Open Educational Resources. This information may be provided either by displaying it in the online course description or by providing a link that connects to the bookstore's website.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

Community and technical colleges must also indicate to students during registration whether a course uses low-cost required instructional materials. This information may be provided either in the course description or a link to the bookstore's website. A course uses low-cost instructional materials if the entire cost of the required materials equals $50 or less.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2019.

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) A majority of students in community and technical colleges receive need-based financial aid. Textbook costs represent a significant portion of the cost of education to students each year and often buy-back programs offer low returns on the purchase price. Indicating whether a course is low cost addresses the consistent and unanimous concerns of community and technical college students. The ability to choose courses based on the affordability of required course materials will increase readiness and success in class.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Van Werven, prime sponsor; Boyoung Chae, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Christopher Soran; Mason Green; Kristina Pogosian; and Mustapha Samateh.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.