1079-S AMH KAGI MCLA 051

SHB 1079 - H AMD

By Representative Kagi

On page 2, at the end of line 4, insert "In addition, the state can provide financial support to former foster youth pursuing higher education or training by setting aside portions of the state need grant and the state work study programs specifically for foster youth."

On page 3, after line 6, insert the following:

"Sec. 3. RCW 28B.92.060 and 2004 c 275 s 37 are each amended to read as follows:

In awarding need grants, the board shall proceed substantially as follows: PROVIDED, That nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the board, in the exercise of its sound discretion, from following another procedure when the best interest of the program so dictates:

(1) The board shall annually select the financial aid award recipients from among Washington residents applying for student financial aid who have been ranked according to:

(a) Financial need as determined by the amount of the family contribution; and

(b) Other considerations ((brought to the board's attention)), such as whether the student is a former foster youth.

(2) The financial need of the highest ranked students shall be met by grants depending upon the evaluation of financial need until the total allocation has been disbursed. Funds from grants which are declined, forfeited or otherwise unused shall be reawarded until dispersed, except that eligible former foster youth shall be assured receipt of a grant.

(3) A student shall be eligible to receive a state need grant for up to five years, or the credit or clock hour equivalent of five years, or up to one hundred twenty-five percent of the published length of time of the student's program. A student may not start a new associate degree program as a state need grant recipient until at least five years have elapsed since earning an associate degree as a need grant recipient, except that a student may earn two associate degrees concurrently. Qualifications for renewal will include maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an eligible program as determined by the board. Should the recipient terminate his or her enrollment for any reason during the academic year, the unused portion of the grant shall be returned to the state educational grant fund by the institution according to the institution's own policy for issuing refunds, except as provided in RCW 28B.92.070.

(4) In computing financial need, the board shall determine a maximum student expense budget allowance, not to exceed an amount equal to the total maximum student expense budget at the public institutions plus the current average state appropriation per student for operating expense in the public institutions.

(5) As used in this section, "former foster youth" means a person who is at least eighteen years of age, but not more than twenty-four years of age, who was a dependent of the department of social and health services at the time he or she attained the age of eighteen.

Sec. 4. RCW 28B.12.060 and 2002 c 354 s 224 are each amended to read as follows:

The higher education coordinating board shall adopt rules as may be necessary or appropriate for effecting the provisions of this chapter, and not in conflict with this chapter, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the state higher education administrative procedure act. Such rules shall include provisions designed to make employment under the work-study program reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all eligible students in eligible postsecondary institutions in need thereof. The rules shall include:

(1) Providing work under the state work-study program that will not result in the displacement of employed workers or impair existing contracts for services;

(2) Furnishing work only to a student who:

(a) Is capable, in the opinion of the eligible institution, of maintaining good standing in such course of study while employed under the program covered by the agreement; and

(b) Has been accepted for enrollment as at least a half-time student at the eligible institution or, in the case of a student already enrolled in and attending the eligible institution, is in good standing and in at least half-time attendance there either as an undergraduate, graduate or professional student; and

(3) Placing priority on providing:

(a) Work opportunities for students who are residents of the state of Washington as defined in RCW 28B.15.012 and 28B.15.013, particularly former foster youth as defined in RCW 28B.92.060, except resident students defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2)(((f))) (g);

(b) Job placements in fields related to each student's academic or vocational pursuits, with an emphasis on off-campus job placements whenever appropriate; and

(4) Provisions to assure that in the state institutions of higher education, utilization of this work-study program:

(a) Shall only supplement and not supplant classified positions under jurisdiction of chapter 41.06 RCW;

(b) That all positions established which are comparable shall be identified to a job classification under the director of personnel's classification plan and shall receive equal compensation;

(d) That work study positions shall only be established at entry level positions of the classified service unless the overall scope and responsibilities of the position indicate a higher level; and

(5) Provisions to encourage job placements in occupations that meet Washington's economic development goals, especially those in international trade and international relations. The board shall permit appropriate job placements in other states and other countries."

Correct the title accordingly.

EFFECT: Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Board to place a priority on former foster youth for receipt of financial aid awards under the State Need Grant program and the State Work Study program. Eligible former foster youth are guaranteed a need grant from funds that were declined, forfeited or otherwise unused. Individuals between 18 and 24 years old who were state dependents at age 18 are eligible.