SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2376

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

              Higher Education, February 26, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.

Brief Description:  Changing Washington award for vocational excellence provisions.

Sponsors:  Representatives Carlson, Kenney, Radcliff, Mason, Talcott and Conway.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/24/98, 2/26/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Wood, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Bauer, Hale, Kohl, Patterson, Prince, B. Sheldon and West.

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  In 1984, the Legislature created the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) program.  Through the award program, up to three students in each legislative district are annually honored for their outstanding performances in occupational training programs.  The students are selected for their achievements, leadership abilities, and community contributions.  At least two of the three students selected in each legislative district are expected to be graduating high school students.  The program is administered by the Workforce Training and Education Coordination Board (WTECB).  Currently, statutes do not provide a time line in which recipients must use the award.

Summary of Bill:  Recipients of awards must completely use the award within six years of receiving the award.  Recipients who receive awards before the 1994-95 academic year must completely use  the award before September 2001.  Recipients of awards for 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97 must use their awards before September 2004.  Students who do not use their awards within the required time lines forfeit their awards.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  This bill will help us to more efficiently administer a very valuable program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Wes Pruitt, Leg. Liaison, WTECB.