[Filed December 23, 2024, 11:49 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 24-20-047.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 132H-122 WAC, Student financial debt.

Hearing Location(s): On Monday, February 10, 2025, at 2:00-3:00p.m. Pacific, via Teams https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzZlNGY3OGYtNGQ5Mi00M2Q4LWFjZmEtZTIwNDU1ODYxZmEx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22f94c251c-1347-422e-b3ea-8ac56befd6cb%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ccd85c6f-4577-4bad-a18a-6219e7070289%22%7d; or dial in by phone +1 206-899-2345,,563759671# United States, Bainbridge Island, Phone Conference ID 563 759 671#.

Date of Intended Adoption: March 19, 2025.

Submit Written Comments to: Loreen McRea Keller, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Bellevue, WA 98007, email loreen.keller@bellevuecollege.edu, 425-564-6155, beginning December 20, 2024, by February 4, 2025.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact disabilities resource center, TTY 425-564-6189, email drc@bellevuecollege.edu, by February 4, 2025.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Revisions are needed for clarity and compliance with RCW 28B.10.293. Changes will strengthen appeal process, remove incorrect fees, and increase clarity around student contact efforts prior to account holds.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See above.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 34.05 RCW and RCW 28B.50.140.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28B.50.140.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: 2SHB 2513.

Name of Proponent: Bellevue College, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Loreen McRea Keller, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Bellevue, WA 98007, 425-564-6155.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules relate only to internal governmental operations that are not subject to violation by a nongovernment party.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

Policy and Government Relations

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 23-04-004, filed 1/19/23, effective 2/19/23)

WAC 132H-122-010Statement of policy.

(1) Bellevue College expects students who owe a debt for ((services,)) tuition and fees, housing, financial aid, fines, and other fees to pay the amount they owe, or set up a payment plan, and to contact the college for additional information, if needed.

(2) Students have the right to ask for details related to the debt, and to appeal a debt.

(3) The finance office is responsible for the implementation of this ((code))policy.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 23-04-004, filed 1/19/23, effective 2/19/23)

WAC 132H-122-020Student financial debt procedures.

(1) The college may take the following actions for nonpayment of outstanding student debt:

(a) Place a hold, ((also called a negative service indicator,)) on a student's account if they owe a debt for housing, financial aid, or tuition((, or other college fees)). A ((negative service indicator))hold prevents enrollment for future quarters.

(b) Drop students for nonpayment of ((any debt))tuition and fees in excess of $300 at any time.

(c) Refer past due debts that exceed $100 to a collection agency. Unpaid charges and balances become past due after the tuition payment deadline of 30 days from the start of the quarter. The college will make no less than three attempts (two balance due notices and a final notice) to notify the student of the outstanding debt. Past due debts may be sent to a collection agency after 30 days have elapsed from the time the final notice was attempted.

(2) Prior to referral, students will receive notice via their Bellevue College email. The notice will include at a minimum the following information:

(((i)))(a) The amount of the debt owed;

(((ii)))(b) The nature of the debt;

(((iii)))(c) Information on how to pay the debt;

(((iv)))(d) Contact information for the finance office and/or staff member who can provide more information, and/or set up a payment plan;

(((v)))(e) The deadline for payment of the debt; and

(((vi)))(f) Any consequences that may result from nonpayment of the debt.

(((2)))(3) Reporting requirements: The college follows the state reporting rules related to the use of ((negative service indicators))holds, debt levels, and collection practices.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 23-04-004, filed 1/19/23, effective 2/19/23)

WAC 132H-122-030Debt dispute and appeal.

((Students who believe that exigent circumstances exist, or an error occurred that may require reduction or removal of a debt, may submit an online appeal form, available on the enrollment services website, for review of the debt.))Students may submit an appeal through the enrollment services website if they believe that an error has been made in the assessment of the debt, if they face undue hardship, or if other extenuating circumstances warrant reconsideration. Directions for appeal can be found on the enrollment services website. Appeals must be submitted within 180 calendar days from the end of the quarter where charges were incurred.