HB 2157

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2157

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: Expanding resident student eligibility for purposes of the state need grant program.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Kenney and Hasegawa.

Brief Summary of Bill

Expands the definition of "resident student" for the purpose of determining State Need Grant eligibility.

Hearing Date: 2/26/07

Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).

Background:

Resident Tuition
State law provides uniform standards for determining whether a student will be charged resident or non-resident tuition at the state's public colleges and universities. EHB 1079, enacted in 2003, expanded the definition of "resident student" for the purpose of qualification for in-state tuition by including students who meet all of the following criteria:

attended at least three years of high school in Washington;
graduated from a Washington high school or obtained the equivalent of a diploma in Washington; and
if the student is not a United States' citizen, he/she is required to submit an affidavit to the college or university stating he/she has applied, or will apply, for permanent United States residency.

State Need Grant
The Washington State Need Grant is the largest state need-based aid program, assisting approximately 65,000 students in 2005-06. This program is targeted to those students in Washington with the greatest financial need. Students with up to 65 percent of the Median Family Income, (approximately $46,500 for a family of four) are eligible to receive an award. State Need Grants are only available to resident students. The definition used for resident students does not include the students who qualify for in-state tuition based on EHB 1079 from 2003.

Summary of Bill:

Eligibility for the State Need Grant is expanded to include students who meet all of the following criteria:

earned a high school diploma or the equivalent of a diploma in Washington;
lived in Washington for at least three years immediately prior to receiving the diploma or the equivalent;
has continuously lived in the state of Washington after receiving the diploma or equivalent until being admitted to a post-secondary institution; and
provides the institution with an affidavit indicating the intent to apply to become a permanent resident at the earliest possible opportunity and willingness to engage in any activities necessary to acquire citizenship.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 24, 2007.

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