SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5134

As Passed Senate, February 14, 2003

Title: An act relating to border county higher education opportunities.

Brief Description: Changing border county higher education opportunities.

Sponsors: Senators Carlson, Zarelli, Kohl-Welles, Schmidt, Horn and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 1/27/03 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/14/03, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Carlson, Chair; Schmidt, Vice Chair; Kohl-Welles, Mulliken, B. Sheldon and Shin.

Staff: Dario de la Rosa (786-7484)

Background: In 1999 the Legislature created the Border County Higher Education Opportunities Pilot Project administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB). Under the pilot project, people who have resided in certain Oregon counties for at least 90 days are eligible to pay resident tuition rates when enrolled at participating Washington institutions.

In December 2001 the HECB reported positive outcomes for the project and recommended the pilot project be made permanent.

During the 2002 session, the project was continued as a pilot. Several Oregon counties were added, and Columbia Basin and Walla Walla Community Colleges, and the Tri-Cities branch of Washington State University were added to the list of participating institutions. The residency requirement for eligible students was increased to one year.

Summary of Bill: The Border County Higher Education Opportunities Project is made permanent. The residency requirement for eligible Oregon students is returned to a 90-day period.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The Border County Opportunities Project allows citizens in border areas to attend institutions in nearby counties. This program should be made permanent. Currently, 640 Oregon residents attend Washington colleges through the program. 240 Washington residents take advantage of a similar program in Oregon. The program promotes activity between the two states, and the project is good for both states.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Don Carlson, prime sponsor; Tom Woodnutt, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (pro); Bruce Botka, Higher Education Coordinating Board (pro); Larry Ganders, Washington State University (pro).