SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5487

                    As of February 12, 1997

Title:  An act relating to police forces at institutions of higher education.

Brief Description:  Requiring the consideration of duties when institutions of higher education set staffing levels for their police forces.

Sponsors:  Senators Prince, Bauer, Wood, Kohl and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/10/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  Current law, regarding police forces for state and regional universities and The Evergreen State College, provides that the boards of regents act independently on behalf of their institutions.

Each institution may establish its own police force which functions under the conditions and regulations prescribed by the respective board.  Each institution may supply appropriate badges and uniforms.

Summary of Bill:  Governing boards act independently on behalf of their institutions regarding police forces for state and regional universities and The Evergreen State College.

Each institution may establish its own police force which functions under the conditions and regulations prescribed by the respective board and each institution may supply appropriate badges and uniforms.

The duties of the police force at each institution that has or establishes a police force are considered when determining staffing levels.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 29, 1997.

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