Brief Description: Requiring business and labor representation on all community college boards of trustees.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Cox, Conway, Priest, Fromhold, Jarrett, Dunshee, Sells, Hasegawa, Ormsby, Buri, Chase, Rodne, Santos, Green and Hudgins.

Hearing Date: 2/11/05

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

There are 25 community college districts and five technical college districts in Washington. Three of the community college districts include more than one college. Each district is governed by a Board of Trustees whose five members are appointed by the Governor for five -year terms. In making appointments, the Governor is to consider geographic diversity and representation of labor, business, women, and racial and ethnic minorities. Boards of Trustees for technical college districts are required to include at least one member from business and one member from labor.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is comprised of nine members, also appointed by the Governor. The State Board is also required to include at least one member from business and one member from labor.

Summary of Bill:

Boards of Trustees of all community or technical college districts must include at least one member from business and one member from labor. If a Board does not have this composition when the act takes effect, the Governor must fill the next vacancy or make the next appointment with a business or labor member until the Board has the required composition.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.