H-4089.1          _______________________________________________

                                  HOUSE BILL 2287

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State of Washington              54th Legislature             1996 Regular Session

By Representatives Jacobsen, Goldsmith and Carlson

Read first time 01/09/96.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

Requiring limits on the number of credits a student may earn while receiving a state need grant.

     AN ACT Relating to financial aid; amending RCW 28B.10.800; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.10 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:

     In consultation with institutions of higher education, the higher education coordinating board shall, by rule, adopt strict limitations on the number of credits a student may accumulate toward a degree or certificate and continue to receive a state need grant.  The limitations shall be based on the number of college level credits a student reasonably needs to complete the student's program of study.  The board shall also adopt exceptions to the rule.  The exceptions shall ensure that a student whose program requires a higher than average number of credits remains eligible for the need grant program if the student meets other eligibility requirements adopted by the board.  In adopting its rule, the board shall not exceed the following eligibility standard or its equivalent in college level credits:

     (1) Up to one and one-half years for a certificate;

     (2) Up to three years for an associate degree;

     (3) Up to three and one-half years for a technical degree; and

     (4) Up to five years for a baccalaureate degree.

     Sec. 2.  RCW 28B.10.800 and 1993 sp.s. c 18 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

     The sole purpose of RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824 is to establish a state of Washington student financial aid program, thus assisting financially needy or disadvantaged students domiciled in Washington to obtain the opportunity of attending an accredited institution of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.802(1), in order to complete an educational plan that leads to a degree or certificate or that significantly enhances a student's employability.  Financial aid under RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824 is available only to students who are resident students as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2) (a) through (d).

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