SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1312

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Higher Education & Workforce Development, March 18, 2009

Brief Description: Eliminating the exclusive authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University to offer certain engineering courses.

Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Schmick, Wallace, Anderson, Driscoll, McCoy, Chase, Kenney, Carlyle, White and Roberts.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Kilmer, Chair; Jarrett, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Kastama, McAuliffe, Pflug, Shin and Stevens.

Background: "Major line" at universities means the development of the work or courses of study in certain subjects leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree or degrees in that subject. Major lines offered at both Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Washington (UW) include pharmacy, architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and forest management. Additional major lines at WSU include agriculture, veterinary medicine, and economic science related to agriculture and rural life. Additional major lines at UW include law, medicine, library sciences, aeronautic and astronautic engineering, fisheries, forest products, and logging engineering. No other public institution of higher education may offer these major lines.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering are no longer exclusive major lines at WSU and UW. Aeronautic and astronautic engineering are no longer exclusive major lines at UW. Undergraduate or graduate degrees in these lines of study may be offered at any institution of higher education in Washington.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): The title is changed to "increasing the availability of engineering programs in public universities." No changes were made to the text of the bill.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Sometimes little changes can accomplish great things. Eastern Washington University (EWU) is ready to offer some high employer demand engineering degrees right now. This effort is supported by all of the regional institutions.