COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Representative Don Carlson, Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2597

Making certain benefits provided by institutions of higher education students optional.

BACKGROUND:  Governing boards may charge special fees to cover the cost of providing and maintaining services for students.  For example, at Eastern Washington University all students who register for ten credits or more each quarter are automatically assessed a $34.00 student health fee at the time of  registration.   The fee is mandatory, unless the student can provide current proof of insurance which carries a yearly deductible of less than $150.00.

SUMMARY:  Health fees are optional if a student provides proof of continuous health care coverage.