SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6532

As of January 27, 2004

Title: An act relating to establishing a tuition and fees payment plan at colleges and universities.

Brief Description: Establishing a tuition and fees payment plan at colleges and universities.

Sponsors: Senators Schmidt, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Horn, B. Sheldon and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/3/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Jean Six (786-7423)

Background: Students often complete their postsecondary education with significant debt burden. In the world of commerce which this generation of students has experienced, a common way to pay for services often includes an installment plan or an agreement to make monthly payments. The imposition of stringent due-date policies creates a hardship for some students.

Summary of Bill: Beginning with the 2004 fall academic term, an optional payment plan is available that allows students to make equal monthly payments. The payment plan is not available to students receiving financial aid or scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition and fees.

The institution may impose an administrative fee not to exceed one-half of 1 percent of total tuition and fees due. Missing two or more payments may cause disenrollment from the program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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