BILL REQ. #:  H-0755.1 

Read first time 01/27/2005.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to tuition waivers for veterans of the global war on terrorism; adding a new section to chapter 28B.15 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28B.15 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) It is the intent of the legislature to honor veterans of the global war on terrorism for the public service they have provided to their country. It is the further intent of the legislature that, for eligible veterans of the global war on terrorism, institutions of higher education waive tuition and fee increases that have occurred after the 2001-02 academic year.
     (2) Subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community colleges may exempt veterans of the global war on terrorism from all or a portion of increases in tuition and fees that occur after the 2001-02 academic year, if the veteran could have qualified as a Washington resident student under RCW 28B.15.012(2), had he or she been enrolled as a student on September 11, 2001.
     (3) For the purposes of this section, "a veteran of the global war on terrorism" means any person serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States secretary of defense, in support of operation enduring freedom or operation Iraqi freedom. Active duty service under this section includes service outside and within the United States.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.