SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5855
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 Passed Senate, March 9, 2007
Title: An act relating to modification of the higher education coordinating board.
Brief Description: Implementing the Washington learns modifications.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Delvin, Shin, Berkey, Kilmer, Oemig and Rasmussen).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/15/07, 2/19/07 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/09/07, 46-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5855 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is a ten-member citizen board that administers the state's student financial aid programs and provides planning, coordination, monitoring, and policy analysis for higher education in Washington. Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, board members serve four-year terms, except for the student member who serves a one year term. The board selects from its membership a chair and a vice-chair who each serve a one-year term. The chair and vice-chair may serve more than one term if selected to do so by the membership. The HECB employs a director who serves at the pleasure of the HECB. An Advisory Council, which includes K-12 education and higher education leaders, advises the board on carrying out its statutory duties.
Summary of Substitute Bill: It is clarified that the student member's term begins on the first day of July. The Governor appoints an executive director from a list of three names submitted by the HECB. The list may be expanded if required. The executive director serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The deadlines for budget proposals are changed. Proposed budgets must be submitted to the HECB by July 1, instead of August 1, each year. The HECB then submits its recommendations to the Office of Financial Management by October 1 each year, instead of November 1.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and section 2 takes effect on July 1, 2007.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The executive director position is a cabinet level
position, so it is proper that the Governor has the authority to appoint the person. The earlier
budget submission dates will facilitate a better budget process.
OTHER: The bill may need some technical amendments to make sure it works as intended.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Delvin, prime sponsor; Deb Merle, Governor's Office; J.W.
Harrington, Patricia Chentrill, Council of Faculty Representatives; Jeff Gombosky, Eastern
Washington University; Nathaniel Hong, Washington Education Association; Phil Jack,
American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Clifford Traisman, AFT Washington and United Faculty
of Washington State.
OTHER: Bill Grinstein, HECB.