HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 ESSB 5605

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Higher Education

Title:  An act relating to prohibiting alcohol and drug use in state‑owned college or university residences.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting drug and alcohol use in state‑owned college and university residences.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Bauer, Sheldon, Wood, McAuliffe, Prince, Heavey, Drew, Winsley, Palmer, Deccio, Oke, Prentice and Schow).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Higher Education:  3/24/95, 3/30/95 [DPA].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 7 members:  Representatives Carlson, Chairman; Mulliken, Vice Chairman; Benton; Blanton; Delvin; Goldsmith and Sheahan.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 4 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Ranking Minority Member; Mason, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich and Mastin.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:   In December 1994, a study published by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health documented the prevalence of undergraduate drinking and the effect that drinking has on all students.  The study concluded that half of all college students are binge drinkers. The study also attributed to binge drinkers the following impacts on classmates who are non-binge drinking students:  vandalism, attacks on classmates, interruption of sleep and study, unwanted sexual advances and violent crimes.

Summary of Amended Bill:   Each public institution of higher education is required to:

!Prohibit liquor consumption in a student residence if the majority of students are under the legal drinking age.

!Notify students applying for university housing of the availability of liquor free housing.

!Upon request provide students with liquor free housing on a residence hall floor or in a building.

!Distribute to students in college housing a process for reporting violations and complaints of liquor and illegal drug use.

!Distribute to students policies and procedures regarding liquor and illegal drug use in college owned student housing, including sanctions that may be imposed.

A variety of potential disciplinary actions for violation of the institution's policies and procedures are listed, including warnings, restitution for property damage, probation, expulsion from college or university-owned housing, and suspension.  Each institution with university owned housing is required to report to the Legislature by December 1, 1996 on:  (1) policies governing liquor and illegal drug use;  (2) reported violations and actions taken to address violations; (3) steps taken by institutions to prevent liquor and illegal drug use and to educate students; and (4) copies of the biennial review required by the Department of Education.

Amended Bill Compared to Engrossed Substitute Bill:  Liquor consumption is prohibited in student housing if the majority of residents are under the legal drinking age.  Institutions will provide buildings or floors where liquor use is prohibited. Institutions may impose sanctions in addition to those listed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.  New fiscal note requested on March 23, 1995.

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

Testimony For:  The use of alcohol is on the rise.  There is a tacit approval of alcohol on college campuses.  Students want a quiet learning environment on campuses.  The most effective program is a dry campus.  Young people are overrepresented in drinking and driving incidents in this state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Brad Owen, prime sponsor; Janice Stonestreet, citizen; Terry Teale, Council of Presidents; Larry Ganders, Washington State University; and Steve Lind, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (all in favor).