SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5876

                    As of February 21, 1997

Title:  An act relating to tuition and fee exemptions for Vietnam conflict veterans and Persian Gulf veterans.

Brief Description:  Making the tuition increase exemption for Vietnam veterans and Persian Gulf veterans permanent.

Sponsors:  Senators Swanson, Oke, Heavey, Zarelli, Swecker, Patterson, Bauer, Snyder, McCaslin, Goings, Loveland, Hargrove, Horn, Prince, West, Haugen, Rasmussen, Kohl and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/24/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jennifer Hanlon (786-7784)

Background:  The governing boards of the state's public higher education institutions may exempt veterans of the Vietnam conflict who served in Southeast Asia from any increase in student tuition and fees.  The veteran shall not be required to pay more than the total amount of tuition and fees paid by veterans of the Vietnam conflict on October 1, 1977.

Public institutions of higher education may also exempt eligible Persian Gulf combat zone veterans from all or a portion of tuition and fee increases adopted after the 1990-91 academic year.  Both exemptions expire June 30, 1999.

Summary of Bill:  The expiration dates are eliminated.

The governing boards of the state's public higher education institutions must exempt Vietnam veterans from tuition increases.  Institutions of higher education may apply to the Legislature for a supplemental appropriation for the cost of the exemptions. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 21, 1997.

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