FINAL BILL REPORT

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Delvin and Shin; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board).

Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: Beginning with the 2003-04 academic year, the governing boards of the public colleges and universities have authority to set full-time tuition fees for all students other than resident undergraduates. The Legislature has the authority to set full-time tuition fees for resident undergraduates at public colleges and universities. The governing boards' limited fee-setting authority will expire at the end of the 2008-09 academic year. 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: Resident undergraduate tuition increases are provided in the Omnibus Operating Budget through academic year 2012-13. The institutions of higher education set tuition for all other classifications of students through academic year 2012-13. Each academic year, the governing boards of the four-year institutions and the two-year colleges must provide the students with data regarding student financial aid and consult with existing student associations or organizations prior to setting tuition.

Any tuition increase above 7 percent must be used fund the cost of instruction, library and student services, utilities and maintenance of buildings, institutional financial aid, or other costs related to instruction. Budgetary reductions through 2010-11 to instruction related costs must be proportionally less than reductions associated with other program areas, including administration.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	44	0
House	53	44	(House amended)
Senate	36	8	(Senate concurred)

Partial Veto Summary: A systemic performance audit of the state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee was vetoed because ESHB 2344 (C 540 L 09) already provided for an identical audit.