Brief Description: Concerning residency status of military dependents.

Sponsors: Senators B. Sheldon, Shin, Kastama, Oke, Swecker, Franklin, Winsley, Rasmussen, Brown, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Haugen, Schmidt, Murray and McAuliffe.

Hearing Date: 2/20/04

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

Washington's law regarding residency for tuition purposes provides eligibility for in-state tuition to members of the Washington National Guard and persons on active military duty stationed in Washington. In addition, the spouse and dependents of persons on active military duty are eligible for in-state tuition. The law, however, does not provide for this eligibility to continue if the person on active duty is reassigned out-of-state.

Summary of Bill:

An enrolled student who is the spouse or dependent of a person on active military duty stationed in Washington will remain eligible for in-state tuition if the active duty person is reassigned out-of-state so long as the student remains continuously enrolled in a degree program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.