HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5104
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Higher Education
Title: An act relating to the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program.
Brief Description: Expanding the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Tom, Rockefeller, Shin, Oemig, Berkey, Brandland, Fairley, Pflug, Delvin, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Zarelli, Prentice, Eide, Kline, Hobbs, Clements and Kilmer).
Brief History:
Higher Education: 3/28/07, 3/29/07 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Buri, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hasegawa, Jarrett, McIntire, Roberts and Sommers.
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).
Background:
In 2005, the Legislature authorized the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
(SBCTC) to select four applied baccalaureate degree pilot programs at community or
technical colleges. Six colleges submitted proposals. Bellevue Community College,
Olympic College, Peninsula College, and South Seattle Community College were selected as
the sites for the pilot projects. Colleges began planning and program development in 2006.
Upper division students will begin enrolling in the programs in the fall of 2007.
The SBCTC selected the participating institutions based upon: their capacity to commit
resources; their ability to engage faculty to develop and deliver the curriculum; the demand
for the programs in their service area; the cost-effectiveness for students; and whether the
program filled a gap in options offered by a public four-year institution in the geographic
area.
Summary of Amended Bill:
By June 2008, the SBCTC will select up to two colleges to develop and offer applied
baccalaureate degree programs. At least one selected college must be a technical college.
The SBCTC will use the same criteria as used in the initial applied baccalaureate degree pilot
program. Selected colleges may enroll students in upper division courses beginning fall
quarter of 2009.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:
The date by which colleges must be selected for the pilot is changed from February to June of
2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) When the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) testified
for the companion bill as it came through the House Higher Education Committee, the first
priority was to get the second year of funding for the four pilots. That happened, and they are
appreciative. As the SBCTC has considered the second phase as called for in this bill, and
their action that will be required a year from now, they request to move the date of the
selection of the pilots. This change will not influence the intent of the program, nor will it
delay classes beginning by fall 2009.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Loretta Seppanen, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.