SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5547

As of February 7, 2001

Title:  An act relating to setting tuition fees at the state's institutions of higher education.

Brief Description:  Setting tuition fees at the state's institutions of higher education.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Sheahan, Shin, Eide, T. Sheldon, Oke, Franklin, Costa and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/12/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jean Six (786‑7423)

Background:  Until the 1999-01 biennium, tuition setting authority rested with the Legislature. The current biennial budget grants limited tuition setting authority to the governing boards of the  four-year institutions and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.  The level of summer term tuition has long been the responsibility of the institutions and the board.

Summary of Bill: Institutional governing boards of the six public four-year colleges and universities may not set or adjust tuition fees for full-time students, except during the summer term.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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