HB 2111-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that the intent to combine institutional flexibility and authority to make decisions at the local level with accountability for achieving statewide goals and objectives has never been fully achieved, in part because there has not been an operating mechanism through which to implement this relationship.

Declares an intent to explore opportunities to create performance contracts between the state and public institutions of higher education. It is the intent of the legislature that such a contract would constitute a negotiated agreement between the state and an institution, where the state's primary interest would lie not in the management and operations of an institution, but in the institution's contribution to achieving agreed-upon statewide goals and objectives for higher education.

Creates a work group on higher education performance contracts.

Requires the work group to: (1) Examine the experience of other states in developing and implementing performance contracts with institutions of higher education;

(2) Consider the feasibility of implementing performance contracts in Washington;

(3) Identify whether amendments to current laws may be necessary to implement performance contracts; and

(4) Develop guidelines and possible models for performance contracts.

Requires the work group to report its findings and recommendations to the higher education and fiscal committees of the legislature by December 15, 2003.