BILL REQ. #:  S-1982.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/04/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to itemized tuition statements at institutions of higher education; and amending RCW 28B.10.044.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.10.044 and 1997 c 48 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The higher education coordinating board shall annually develop information on the approximate amount of state support that students receive. For students at state-supported colleges and universities, the information shall include the approximate level of support received by students in each tuition category. That information may include consideration of the following: Expenditures included in the educational cost formula, revenue forgiven from waived tuition and fees, state-funded financial aid awarded to students at public institutions, and all or a portion of appropriated amounts not reflected in the educational cost formula for institutional programs and services that may affect or enhance the educational experience of students at a particular institution. For students attending a private college, university, or proprietary school, the information shall include the amount of state-funded financial aid awarded to students attending the institution.
     (2) Beginning July 30, 1993, the board shall annually provide information appropriate to each institution's student body to each state-supported four-year institution of higher education and to the state board for community and technical colleges for distribution to community colleges and technical colleges.
     (3) Beginning July 30, 1993, the board shall annually provide information on the level of financial aid received by students at that institution to each private university, college, or proprietary school, that enrolls students receiving state-funded financial aid.
     (4)(a) Beginning with the 1997 fall academic term, each institution of higher education described in subsection (2) or (3) of this section shall provide to students at the institution information on the approximate amount that the state is contributing to the support of their education.
     (b) Information provided to students at each state-supported college and university shall include the approximate amount of state support received by students in each tuition category at that institution. The amount of state support shall be based on the information provided by the higher education coordinating board under subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
     (5)(a) Beginning with the 2003 fall academic term, information provided to students under subsection (4)(b) of this section shall appear in a conspicuous location on all tuition and billing packets. Information provided under subsection (4)(a) of this section shall be provided on tuition and billing packets for resident undergraduate and resident graduate students.
     (b) Tuition and billing packets shall also contain a statement informing students that they may request an itemized statement of fees charged to all students.
     (6) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the information required in subsections (4) and (5) of this section shall be provided to students at the beginning of each academic term through one or more of the following: Registration materials, class schedules, tuition and fee billing packets, student newspapers, or via e-mail or kiosk.