Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
SSB 5734
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: Regarding tuition at institutions.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Delvin and Shin; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/18/09
Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304)
Background:
Beginning with the 2003-04 academic year, the governing boards of the public colleges and universities were granted authority to set full-time tuition fees for all students other than resident undergraduates. The Legislature retained the authority to set full-time tuition fees for resident undergraduates at public colleges and universities. In prior years, the Legislature has established a cap on annual tuition increases in the operating budget, rather than calling out a specific tuition rate. Currently, state universities may raise tuition up to 7 percent annually, regional universities and the Evergreen State College may raise tuition up to 5 percent annually, and the community and technical colleges may raise tuition up to 2 percent annually.
The governing boards' limited tuition-setting authority will expire at the end of the 2008-09 academic year. If this authority expires, beginning in the 2009-10 academic year, tuition fees for full-time students at the state's colleges and universities will be the same as tuition charged in the 2008-09 academic year unless different rates are adopted by the Legislature.
Summary of Bill:
The governing boards' limited tuition-setting authority is extended through the 2014-15 academic year. Beginning in the 2015-16 academic year, tuition fees for full-time students at the state's colleges and universities will be the same as tuition charged in the 2014-15 academic year unless different rates are adopted by the Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.