COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Representative Don Carlson, Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

SB 5199

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  Requiring the higher education coordinating board to develop models for the delivery of technology-based programs.

BACKGROUND:  It has been projected that the state of Washington will need to provide postsecondary enrollment opportunities to an additional 84,000 students by the year 2010.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) recognizes that in order to meet this rising demand, new methods of providing access must be considered.

SUMMARY OF BILL:  The HECB must develop up to three tuition and state support models for the delivery of technology-based programs.  The models must consider programs offered by single institutions or by consortiums of higher education institutions.  The HECB must make recommendations regarding state participation in the Western Governors' Virtual University.

The board must develop up to three incentive models to encourage students to use enrollment agreements with other states.  These models do not affect current reciprocity agreements.

The board must develop one model for packaging tuition, fees, and living expenses to cover a four‑year period.

The board will report to the Legislature no later than December 30, 1997, on the models that have been developed.  The board will also provide recommendations on the use of the models, which are not to be implemented until authorized by the Legislature.