SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5278

                As Passed Senate, March 4, 1999

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

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

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  1/27/99, 2/3/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/4/99, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Kohl‑Welles, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Bauer, Finkbeiner, Hale, Horn, 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:  Since 1993, the HECB has granted the authority to operate branch campuses of four foreign degree-granting institutions of higher education:  two branch campuses for Japanese students, one branch campus for Russian law students, and the branch campus of Kigezi International School of Medicine.  Current interpretation of the statute allows no discretion to the HECB.  We are in support of this change that would allow some discretion.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bruce Botka, HECB (pro).