HB 2317

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2317

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: Requiring development of a definition of "high demand."

Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Anderson, Sells and Kenney.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires development of one definition of high demand.

Hearing Date: 2/27/07

Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).

Background:

The term "high demand" is used frequently in higher education, employment preparation and workforce-related services. However, there is not a common definition or list used by all agencies and institutions working in these areas. The usage of the term "high demand" varies, and includes high demand programs of study, high demand occupations, high student demand, and high community demand, among others. The term is used in many reports, and funding is appropriated from the Legislature specifically for high demand. For example, the 2006 Supplemental Budget appropriated:

$1.5 million to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to fund 187 additional FTEs in high demand fields.
$900,000 to the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) for 95 FTEs in high demand fields at Washington's regional universities and The Evergreen State College.
$1.174 million to Washington State University to fund 80 additional FTEs in high demand fields.
$2.5 million to the University of Washington to fund 150 additional FTEs in high demand fields.

Summary of Bill:

The HECB, the SBCTC, the Office of Financial Management, the Employment Security Department, and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development will prepare and jointly submit one definition of high demand to the Legislature by November 1, 2007.

The definition will subsequently be used by all agencies and institutions that offer post-secondary education, employment preparation, and workforce-related services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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