SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6616

                    As of January 28, 2000

Title:  An act relating to increasing technical training at state educational institutions.

Brief Description:  Increasing technical training at state educational institutions.

Sponsors:  Senators Bauer, Prentice, B. Sheldon and Rasmussen; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/4/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  The Legislative Committee on Economic Development was created in 1985 "to provide responsive and consistent involvement by the Legislature to maintain a healthy state economy and to provide employment opportunities to Washington residents."  During the 1999 interim, the committee met monthly throughout the state and is making several recommendations.

Summary of Bill:  The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) must analyze the training needs of the largest industrial sectors in Washington with the highest annual rate of increase in employment.  The information must be made available to all community colleges, technical colleges, private career schools, and the supervisor of the state apprenticeship council.

The SBCTC provides grants to community colleges or technical colleges that make use of the information and offer new or expanded training programs to meet newly identified training needs.  These grants are to be used exclusively to pay the costs of vocational-technical training equipment, supplies, and instructors.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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