SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6049

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Ways & Means, April 11, 2003

Title: An act relating to the stewardship and preservation of state college and university facilities.

Brief Description: Providing for stewardship and preservation of public college and university facilities.

Sponsors: Senator Zarelli.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/25/03, 4/11/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6049 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Rossi, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Vice Chair; Brown, Doumit, Fairley, Fraser, Hale, Honeyford, Johnson, Parlette, Regala, Roach, Sheahan, B. Sheldon and Winsley.

Staff: Karen Barrett (786-7711)

Background: The state adopts a biennial capital budget each odd-numbered year, appropriating moneys for a variety of capital projects and programs. A significant portion of capital budget appropriations goes to higher education institutions. Capital budget appropriations for higher education institutions typically fall into one of three categories: 1) providing access for students; 2) facility preservation and renovation; and 3) institutional mission.

A recent study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) found there is a significant backlog of facility infrastructure projects throughout higher education institutions.

Summary of Substitute Bill: JLARC is directed to periodically contract to update the comparative framework that examines the conditions of higher education facilities.

A new "higher education facility preservation" account is created in the state treasury.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Terms defined in the act are expanded or modified. It is clarified that stewardship expectations embodied by the act relate to college buildings the state owns. Further, it is clarified that minor improvements or repairs to building finishes supported by appropriated capital funds from the state must (a) extend the facility's useful life, and (b) represent an investment that endures (13 years or longer) for the benefit of educational programs housed in the building.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2003.

Testimony For: Distinctions can and should be made regarding the kinds of repairs or improvements intended for support. Extending the useful life of the facility is a key consideration. References to facility condition classes by digit confused some readers. Ranking definitions can be made more clear and suggestions were offered. Given the choice, some would prefer the comparable framework be assigned to the Office of Financial Management and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. Mention of mission, access and program considerations in balance with preservation standards would improve the bill as introduced.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Edie Harding, The Evergreen State College; Tom Henderson, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Judy McNickle, Western Washington University.