HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2250

                      As Passed House:

                      February 5, 1996

Title:  An act relating to duties of the higher education coordinating board.

Brief Description:  Requiring annual budget review, recommendations, and guidelines for the higher education system.

Sponsors:  Representatives Carlson, Mastin, Mulliken, Sheahan, Jacobsen, Mason, Blanton, Goldsmith and Scheuerman; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Higher Education:  1/16/96, 1/19/96 [DP].

  Floor Activity:

Passed House:  2/5/96, 96-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives Carlson, Chairman; Mulliken, Vice Chairman; Jacobsen, Ranking Minority Member; Mason, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Benton; Blanton; Delvin; Goldsmith; Mastin; Scheuerman and Sheahan.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  Currently, the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations on the operating and the capital budget requests from four-year institutions and the community and technical college systems.  The HECB recommendations must be made by October 15 of each even-numbered year.  The board does not have statutory authority to review supplemental budget requests.

Summary of Bill:  Institutions of higher education and the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges must submit their supplemental budgets to the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The board must submit its supplemental budget recommendations to the Office of Financial Management by November 1 and to the Legislature by January 1.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The legislation is necessary to assure that the Higher Education Coordinating Board receives copies of the supplemental budgets in a timely manner.  This will make the exchange of information effective and efficient.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board supports this legislation.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Don Carlson, prime sponsor; and Susan Patrick, Higher Education Coordinating Board (in favor).