HOUSE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1814
As Passed House:
March 9, 1995
Title: An act relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representative Carlson).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 2/21/95, 2/23/95 [DPS];
Appropriations: 3/2/95, 3/3/95 [DP2S(w/o sub HE)].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/9/95, 96-0.
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).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass and do not pass the substitute bill by Committee on Higher Education. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Silver, Chairman; Clements, Vice Chairman; Huff, Vice Chairman; Pelesky, Vice Chairman; Sommers, Ranking Minority Member; Valle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Beeksma; Brumsickle; Carlson; Chappell; Cooke; Crouse; Dellwo; G. Fisher; Foreman; Grant; Hargrove; Hickel; Jacobsen; Lambert; Lisk; McMorris; Poulsen; Reams; Rust; Sehlin; Sheahan; Talcott; Thibaudeau and Wolfe.
Staff: Jennifer Priddy (786-7118).
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 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, and is null and void unless included in the 1995-97 budget act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Testimony For: (Higher Education) 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.
(Appropriations) The Washington Award for Excellence honors students excelling in their vocational training. A grant program would permit recipients to attend either a public or private institution to continue their vocational training. This award is an important vehicle to honor vocational excellence.
Testimony Against: (Higher Education) None.
(Appropriations) None.
Testified: (Higher Education) 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).
(Appropriations) Marlene Caplen, WTECB (pro).