BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to higher education collaboration grants; and adding new sections to chapter 28B.10 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that it is in the public interest to encourage and enhance cooperation among institutions of higher education. It is the policy of the state to facilitate interinstitutional coordination, planning, and collaborative arrangements to avoid duplication and make efficient use of educational facilities, including independent institutions of higher education.

(2) In order to secure for the citizens of Washington the advantages that would accrue through cooperative programs that meet specific educational, business, and societal needs, the board may provide collaboration grants for the planning and design of programs offered by two or more four-year colleges and universities using appropriated funds. Collaboration grants shall increase access to four-year programs, use available infrastructure, avoid duplication, and encourage cooperation among four-year institutions of higher education.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise the definitions in this section apply throughout sections 1 through 4 of this act.

(1) "Instructional program" means a course of study leading to certification, licensure, or a degree at the baccalaureate, master's or doctoral level.

(2) "Independent institution of higher education" means a private, nonprofit educational institution, the main campus of which is permanently situated in the state, which is open to residents of the state, which does not restrict entry on racial or religious grounds, which provides programs of education beyond high school leading at least to the baccalaureate degree, and which is accredited by the Northwest association of schools and colleges.

(3) "Public institution of higher education" means a college or university as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.

(4) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The board, using funds appropriated therefor, may award collaboration grants for the planning and design of instructional programs. Collaborative grants may be used to fund proposals that include public and independent institutions of higher education. The criteria for awarding the grants must be uniform and applicable to all eligible colleges and universities and the proposals shall meet the following conditions:

(1) The program shall be offered by two or more eligible institutions of higher education;

(2) The collaboration among institutions of higher education shall be a cost-effective means to provide the program;

(3) The program shall expand student access; and

(4) The program shall make use of existing classroom space and faculty expertise.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The board shall assure continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of the collaboration grants authorized by section 3 of this act, and before December of each even-numbered year shall submit a report to the governor and legislature. In administering the grants, the board shall require the use of appropriate fiscal procedures to ensure accountability of public funds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 28B.10 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.