H-1926.1          _______________________________________________

 

                                  HOUSE BILL 2016

                  _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington              54th Legislature             1995 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Mulliken, Carlson, Jacobsen, Blanton, Silver and Conway

 

Read first time 02/22/95.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

 

Authorizing the higher education coordinating board to contract for cooperative arrangements with independent colleges and universities.



     AN ACT Relating to higher education authorizing contracts with independent colleges and universities for instructional programmatic services; and adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  In order to secure for the citizens of Washington the advantages that would accrue through cooperative arrangements with accredited independent colleges and universities situated in the state, especially those offering programs in localities not directly served by a resident public program or institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, the higher education coordinating board may contract for instructional program services with one or more such independent institutions, using funds appropriated therefor.  Such contracts shall encourage, promote, and facilitate the coordination of educational developments that are beneficial to the citizens of the state, that increase the use of available facilities, that prevent the duplication of educational programs, and that motivate cooperative educational efforts.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

     (1) "Instructional program" means a course of study leading to certification, licensure, or a degree at the baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral levels.

     (2) "Independent college or university" means a private, nonprofit educational institution, the main campus of which is permanently situated in the state, that is open to residents of the state, that neither restricts entry on racial or religious grounds, that provides programs of education beyond the high school leading at least to the baccalaureate degree, and that is accredited by the Northwest association of schools and colleges or by an accrediting association recognized by the higher education coordinating board for the purposes of this chapter.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  The higher education coordinating board, using funds appropriated therefor, may enter into contracts with independent colleges or universities for instructional program services if the contracts meet the following conditions:

     (1) There has been a finding of need and that the contract represents the most cost-effective way of providing the services;

     (2) The criteria for evaluation used in reviewing the content of the programs considered for contracting is uniform and applicable to all eligible independent colleges or universities; and

     (3) Only resident students, as defined by RCW 28B.15.012 and 28B.15.013 may be considered within the terms of the contract for financial purposes.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  The higher education coordinating board shall assure continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the contractual arrangements authorized by this chapter, and on or before February 1st of each odd-numbered year shall submit biennial reports to the governor and the legislature.  In administering this chapter, the board shall require the use of appropriate fiscal procedures to ensure accountability of public funds.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5.  The higher education coordinating board shall identify the localities in the state and the instructional program areas in which contracting for instructional program services would be a cost-effective way of meeting identified needs.

 

     NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6.  Sections 1 through 5 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.

 


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