Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Higher Education & Workforce Education Committee

HB 2857

Brief Description: Revising terms of appointment of student regents and trustees.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Sells, Cox, Rodne and Kessler.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the one-year appointment term of student regents at each of the public baccalaureate institutions to begin July 1, and end July 1 of the following year or until a successor is appointed, whichever is later.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Nina Oman (786-7152).

Background:

Student regents are appointed at each of the public baccalaureate institutions. They serve a one-year term which begins the first day of June and ends until their successor is appointed and qualified.

Budget conversations and decisions at the public four-year institutions generally occur in the month of June. Student regents therefore must participate in planning the budget immediately after they are appointed, and before they have had the chance to familiarize themselves with budget issues.

If student regents are appointed in July, their predecessor will have participated in budget planning during the month of June. The new student regent will then be able to prepare adequately for budget planning the following year.

Summary of Bill:

Student regents will hold office from the first day of July until the first day of July the following year, or until their successor is appointed and qualified, whichever is later.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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