SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5701

                    As of February 9, 1995

Title:  An act relating to governing boards at institutions of higher education.

Brief Description:  Improving a residency requirement for members of governing boards of institutions of higher education.

Sponsors:  Senators Bauer, Kohl, Wood, A. Anderson, McAuliffe, Sheldon and Prince.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/16/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  The public research institutions, the University of Washington and Washington State University, are governed by nine-member boards of regents.  Seven- member boards of trustees govern Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College.  The governing board members are appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate, and serve for six-year terms from October 1 until their successors are appointed and qualified.

There is nothing in the state Constitution or state law that sets out specific qualifications for members of the governing boards at the public four-year institutions.  It is for the appointing authority to determine whether a person is qualified to serve as a trustee or regent. 

There is a board of trustees for each community college district and technical college district.  In making the appointments, the Governor shall give consideration to geographical diversity, and representing labor, business, women, and racial and ethnic minorities, in the membership of the board of trustees.  Every trustee is a resident of the college district.

Summary of Bill:  The boards of regents of the University of Washington and Washington State University consist of nine members, one from each congressional district.  For the boards of trustees of Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College membership shall be seven members, no more than one of which may reside in the same congressional district at the time of appointment.

This residency provision shall not apply to governing board members in office on October 1, 1994, except that no member may be reappointed if the reappointment would violate the residency requirement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 1, 1995.

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