HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1814
As Reported By House Committee On:
Higher Education
Title: An act relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.
Sponsors: Representative Carlson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 2/21/95, 2/23/95 [DPS].
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Carlson, Chairman; Mulliken, Vice Chairman; Jacobsen, Ranking Minority Member; Mason, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Blanton; Delvin; Goldsmith; Mastin and Sheahan.
Staff: Susan Hosch (786-7120).
Background: In 1984, the Legislature created the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) program. Through the award program, up to three students in each legislative district are annually honored for their outstanding performances in occupational training programs. The students are selected for their achievements, leadership abilities, and community contributions. At least two of the three students selected in each legislative district are expected to be graduating high school students. The program is administered by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
WAVE recipients who received their award before June 30, 1994, receive a tuition and fee waiver at all state supported colleges and universities. Students may continue to receive a waiver for two years of postsecondary work. Receipt of the waiver depends upon the students entering a state college or university within three years of high school graduation. Students may receive the waiver in their second year of postsecondary study if they maintain a three-point grade point average or an above average rating at a technical college. WAVE recipients who received their award after June 30, 1994 will continue to receive a waiver at technical colleges. The other state colleges and universities have the option of waiving all or a portion of tuition and fees for these students.
Summary of Substitute Bill: State supported colleges and universities will waive tuition and fees for up to two years for WAVE recipients who received their award before June 30, 1994. The Higher Education Coordinating Board will administer a grant program for students who receive their award after that date. The recipients may receive a grant that does not exceed the annual tuition and fees at a research university. Students may use the grant to attend an institution of higher education, independent college or university, or licensed private vocational school located in the state of Washington. In order to receive a grant, recipients must enter a college, university, or private vocational school within three years of high school graduation. Recipients must attain a three-point grade point average or, at a technical college, an above average rating in order to receive a grant in the second year of their studies. The bill includes a severability clause.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The Higher Education Coordinating Board will administer the grant funds for WAVE recipients. The emergency clause is removed, and changes are made to clarify language on existing waiver programs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 17, 1995.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: The WAVE recipients are outstanding students. The proposed scholarship program will help to ensure that they continue to pursue a postsecondary education. The tuition waiver they now receive has become permissive. Some institutions may choose not to honor it. Providing a scholarship rather than a waiver will provide students with additional educational choices, and more assurance of educational assistance.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Linda Broderick, Washington Federation of Private Vocational Schools (pro); Ellen O-Brien Saunders, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (pro); Kathleen Lopp, Washington Vocational Association (pro); and Scott Morgan, State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (pro).