HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6374
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 apprenticeship materials for dual credit scholarship programs.
Brief Description: Concerning apprenticeship materials for dual credit scholarship programs.
Sponsors: Senators Holy, Mullet, Padden, Wilson, L. and Wilson, C.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
College & Workforce Development: 2/25/20, 2/26/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COLLEGE & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 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, Mead, Paul, Pollet, Ramos, Rude, Sells, Slatter, Sutherland and Young.
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
Running Start.
Running Start (RS) courses are offered to eleventh and twelfth grade students by participating higher education institutions. Running Start courses may be on the higher education institution's campus, online, or at the student's high school. Running Start students do not pay tuition for RS courses, but may be charged fees and are responsible for books and transportation. The higher education institutions must provide fee waivers for low-income students, including those who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program.
The Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program (Pilot Program) was established in 2019 to provide eligible students with scholarships to participate in RS or College in the High School programs. An eligible student is a student who:
qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch;
is enrolled in one or more dual credit programs; and
has at least a 2.0 grade point average.
Under the Pilot Program, a student enrolled in College in the High School may receive a scholarship for tuition fees. An RS student may receive a scholarship to cover:
mandatory fees, prorated based on credit load;
course or laboratory fees; and
a textbook voucher worth $10 per credit the student is enrolled per quarter or equivalent, up to a maximum of 15 credits, per year.
For RS, the Student Achievement Council selected Eastern Washington University, Clark College, and Whatcom Community College to participate in the Pilot Program. The Pilot Program is set to expire July 1, 2025, pending sunset review by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.
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Summary of Bill:
The RS scholarship for students participating in the Pilot Program is expanded to cover the cost of apprenticeship materials, as determined appropriate by the college or university. The scholarship may cover occupation-specific tools, work clothes, rain gear, or boots.
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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) There are several trades that provide good jobs but fail to get people to enter the field. Washington has skill centers that help prepare students for jobs making annual salaries of $50,000 to $70,000. This bill helps these types of trades enter the conversation, and it provides students access to equipment and materials in a preparatory environment.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Holy, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.