SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5101
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 Amended by House, April 5, 2007
Title: An act relating to waiving tuition and fees for public and vocational school teachers and other certificated instructional staff.
Brief Description: Expanding higher education tuition waivers to include certain certificated instructional staff.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, McAuliffe, Fairley, Weinstein, Marr, Shin, Oemig, Fraser, Kline, Regala, Rasmussen, Tom, Kohl-Welles and Haugen).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 1/24/07, 1/31/07 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 43-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5101 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey and Schoesler.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: Washington State institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of
tuition, services, and activity fees for state employees. "State employees" are defined as
permanent classified state employees; state, county, or municipal employees governed by the
chapter on collective bargaining; permanent classified and exempt paraprofessional employees
at technical colleges; and faculty, counselors, librarians, and exempt professional and
administrative employees at institutions of higher education.
The employees are enrolled on a space available basis and are charged only $5 per class as a
registration fee. Their enrollment information is not included in official enrollment reports.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Teachers and certified instructional staff employed at public common and vocational schools are eligible for a waiver of all or a portion of their tuition, services, and activity fees. This waiver is available only for teachers and instructional staff and is limited to those holding or seeking an endorsement or assignment in a state-identified shortage area.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Teachers, especially teachers just getting started
in their careers, face many financial hardships. This bill helps some teachers acquire their
continuing education credits without having to pay full tuition and fees. This is a good step in
recognizing that teachers spend a lot of their time and money trying to improve their teaching
skills. Some, but not all, school districts financially support teachers trying to obtain these
credits.
CON: There is a concern that this will create some false expectations because there will be a
limited number of seats available and the demand is anticipated to be substantial.
OTHER: Teachers will be applying for these waivers during their non-teaching times, evenings
and summers, so the demand will be even further concentrated.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor; Wendy Rader-Konafalski,
Washington Education Association.
CON: Jennifer Wallace, Certificate of Participation.
OTHER: Christopher Thompson, Higher Education Coordinating Board.
House Amendment(s): This is a technical amendment only. There is no substantive change.