| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Higher Education Committee | |
HB 1881
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.
Brief Description: Implementing the Washington learns modifications.
Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Moeller, Haigh, McDermott, Kagi, Roberts, O'Brien, Kenney, Hurst and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/07
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).
Background:
Washington Learns
Legislation enacted in 2005 created a comprehensive education and finance study covering early
learning, K-12, and higher education. This effort, known as Washington Learns, was comprised
of a steering committee chaired by the Governor and advisory committees for each education
sector. The Washington Learns Final Report: World-Class, Learner Focused, Seamless
Education, a culmination of the 18 month study, was completed in November 2006.
Higher Education Coordinating Board
In 1985, the Legislature sunset the Council on Postsecondary Education and created the Higher
Education Coordinating Board (HECB). The board is composed of ten members representing the
public, one of whom is a student. The members are appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate
confirmation, and serve four-year terms, with the exception of the student member, whose term
lasts one year.
The board has administrative responsibilities as well as policy- and research-oriented functions.
Administrative duties include administering financial aid programs, authorizing institutions to
offer degrees in the state and approving new degree programs offered at the baccalaureate level
by public institutions. In policy planning and research, board responsibilities include
development of a statewide strategic master plan for higher education and developing
recommendations on policy and budgetary issues for consideration by the Governor and the
Legislature. The board's purpose includes serving as an advocate for students and the overall
system of higher education.
Summary of Bill:
Effective July 1, 2007, the Executive Director of the HECB will be appointed by the Governor
from a list of three names submitted by the board. The Executive Director will serve at the
pleasure of the Governor, instead of at the pleasure of the board.
The deadline for institutions, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the
HECB to submit budget recommendations each advance one month.
The HECB's advisory council that is comprised of representatives of colleges and
education-related agencies is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.