HB 2373-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/13/98)

     Declares that the first purpose of the pilot project is to allow three Washington institutions of higher education that are located in two counties on the Oregon border to implement, on a trial basis, tuition policies that correspond to Oregon policies.  Under the border county pilot project, Lower Columbia Community College and Clark Community College may enroll students who reside in the bordering Oregon counties of Columbia and Multnomah at resident tuition rates.  The Vancouver branch of Washington State University may enroll students who reside in the bordering Oregon counties of Columbia and Multnomah for eight credits or less at resident tuition rates.

     Declares that the second purpose of the pilot project is to permit needy resident students who reside in the Washington border counties of Clark and Cowlitz to use their state-funded financial aid awards when they attend eligible career schools or community colleges located in the Oregon counties of Columbia or Multnomah; or to enroll at Portland State University for eight credits or less.

     Declares that grants may be used to attend the Vancouver branch of WSU as part of the pilot project established by the act.

     Requires that, by November 30, 2001, the board shall report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the results of the pilot project.  The report shall include a recommendation on the extent to which border county tuition policies and financial aid portability programs should be revised or expanded.