FINAL BILL REPORT

                 2SHB 2430

                          C 69 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the advanced college tuition payment program.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Huff, Carlson, Kenney, Radcliff and McDonald; by request of Committee on Advanced College Tuition Payment and Higher Education Coordinating Board).

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Background:   In 1997, the Legislature created the Washington Advanced College Tuition Payment Program.  The program allows families to buy tuition units.  The units are redeemable for future tuition at a Washington institution of higher education at no additional cost.

The program is administered by the Committee on Advanced Tuition.  The committee is composed of the executive director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the director of the Office of Financial Management, and the State Treasurer.  Committee members are responsible for the governance and development of the program.

The Advance College Tuition Payment Program account exists in the Office of the State Treasurer.   During the 1997 legislative session, $350,000, was appropriated for operating expenses.

Summary: Several administrative issues relating to the Washington Advanced College Tuition Payment Program are clarified:  (1) financial and commercial information supplied in relation to the purchase or sale of tuition units is exempt from public inspection and copying; (2) the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment may maintain offices and employ personnel; and (3) committee members are immune from liability while performing the duties of their office.  An appropriation is required for administration expenditures.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate480

Effective:March 20, 1998