HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1124

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Higher Education

Title:  An act relating to disclosure of state support received by higher education students.

Brief Description:  Requiring that information about state higher education support be given to students with their tuition and fee bills.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Carlson, Mason, Radcliff, Hatfield, Chopp, Lantz, O'Brien, Kessler, Murray, Gombosky, Morris and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education:  2/6/97, 2/14/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Carlson, Chairman; Radcliff, Vice Chairman; Mason, Ranking Minority Member; Kenney, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Butler; Dunn; O'Brien and Sheahan.

Staff:  Suzi Morrissey (786-7120).

Background:  Since 1993, institutions of higher education have been required to provide information annually to students on the approximate amount of the state contribution to the students= education.  The information is developed by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  It includes the support received by students attending each public baccalaureate institution and the community and technical colleges as a whole.  It also includes the amount of financial aid received by students attending independent institutions.  

Institutions may provide the information in any format deemed appropriate for students.  The format may include posters, handouts, and information in registration packets.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Beginning with the 1997 fall academic term, at the beginning of each academic term, public and independent institutions of higher education will provide information to students on the approximate amount of the state=s contribution to the students= education.  The information will be distributed through one or more of the following means: registration materials, class schedules, tuition and fee-billing packets, student newspapers, or through e-mail or kiosks.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The methods of communicating the information to students are expanded beyond information with tuition and fee bills.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Public higher education is an investment that the state makes in its citizens.  It is in everyone=s best interest that the citizens and students are aware of the extent to which the state supports the education of its students.  When students pay tuition they should know that the state is paying the remainder of their instructional costs.  Providing institutions with some latitude on ways to disseminate the information will help both citizens and students receive it.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tres Gallant, Washington Student Lobby (pro); and Vallie Jo Fry, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (pro).