5914-S2 AMH HE H5227.1

2SSB 5914 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Higher Education

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that southwest Washington continues to be the fastest-growing region in the state and is successfully attracting a wide array of corporations and businesses vital to the future expansion of the economy of the region and the entire state. The legislature also recognizes that southwest Washington is the largest urban area in the state without access to an in-state, public four-year institution of higher education. However, the legislature finds that other areas of the state could also potentially benefit educationally and economically from expanded baccalaureate and graduate education opportunities. With increased demand and limited resources to provide such expansion, the legislature finds it necessary to examine thoroughly and objectively the prospect of creating additional educational opportunities not only in southwest Washington but also in other underserved areas of the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The Washington state institute for public policy shall develop evaluation criteria and identify data necessary to study the feasibility of creating additional public baccalaureate and graduate education opportunities in underserved areas of the state. The criteria must be rigorous, objective, and applicable to various regions of the state. The study methodology must include consultation with community leaders. The criteria must include but not be limited to the following:

(a) A detailed regional analysis of student demand and supply of degree programs from existing higher education institutions;

(b) Population and demographic projections for a region;

(c) Potential regional economic development, including types of businesses and employers and their educational and work force training needs;

(d) Evaluation of alternative models of providing baccalaureate and professional graduate education in a region, including expanding existing partnerships between community and technical colleges and four-year institutions;

(e) Examination of the possible role and mission of new or modified higher education institutions in a region, including the possibility of an innovative combination of instruction and research suitable for meeting a region's needs for access as well as support the expansion of a region's economic viability;

(f) Analysis of short and long-term operating and capital costs; and

(g) A balance between local or regional interests and statewide needs.

(2) Once the evaluation criteria, data, and methodology have been developed, the institute shall conduct the first feasibility study in southwest Washington.

(3) The institute shall submit its findings from the first feasibility study to the higher education and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 15, 2004.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2004, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."

2SSB 5914 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Higher Education

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "education;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and creating new sections."

EFFECT: Before conducting a feasibility study for additional baccalaureate and graduate education in southwest Washington, the Institute must first develop evaluation criteria and identify the data necessary to conduct a study that is rigorous, objective, and could be applied in various regions of the state. A balance between local or regional interests and statewide needs is added to the list of analyses that are part of the study. Once the criteria, data, and methodology are developed, the Institute will conduct the first study in southwest Washington.

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