SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1019

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Higher Education, March 31, 1999

Title:  An act relating to foreign degree‑granting institutions.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to foreign degree‑granting institutions' branch campuses.

Sponsors:  Representatives Carlson, Kenney, Radcliff, Dunn and Lantz.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  3/24/99, 3/31/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Sheahan and B. Sheldon.

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  In 1993 the Legislature directed the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) to authorize branch campuses of foreign degree-granting institutions of higher education based on satisfactory evidence that they are authorized to operate in their home country.  The intent of the 1993 legislation was to encourage universities and colleges from other countries to establish branches in Washington.  The law leaves no discretion to the HECB; once the evidence is clear that the institution is authorized to operate in the home country, the HECB shall certify the branch campus.

Summary of Bill:  The Higher Education Coordinating Board may certify that a branch campus of a foreign degree-granting higher education institution is authorized to operate in Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  We need flexibility when evaluating branch campus proposals of foreign degree-granting institutions.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bruce Botka, HECB (pro).