SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5523

                    As of January 31, 1997

Title:  An act relating to higher education services contracts.

Brief Description:  Allowing institutions of higher education to contract for goods and services.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, McDonald, Deccio, Hale, Hochstatter, Rossi, Oke, Morton, Swecker, Finkbeiner, Anderson and Horn.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/13/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  Current law allows institutions of higher education or related boards to purchase services by contract with individuals or business entities if the services were regularly purchased by contract prior to April 23, 1979.

These institutions are allowed to purchase these services only if doing so would not have the effect of terminating any classified employees or classified employee positions in existence at the time of execution or renewal of the contract.

Summary of Bill:  Institutions of higher education, related boards, or the joint center for higher education are allowed to purchase goods and services by contract with individuals or business entities.

The institutions are allowed to execute or renew goods and services contracts only if doing so would not have the effect of terminating any state-funded permanent classified employees employed at the contracting institution, board, or joint center on the effective date of the section.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 30, 1997.

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