FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5278

                           C 85 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

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

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Finkbeiner, Shin and Bauer.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Higher Education

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:  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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     93 0

Effective:  July 25, 1999