SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6655
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 of February 4, 2010
Title: An act relating to the running start program.
Brief Description: Regarding the running start program.
Sponsors: Senators McDermott and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/04/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Alicia Kinne (786-7784)
Background: The Running Start Program is available to 11th and 12th grade students who have not yet received a diploma. Participating institutions include all community and technical colleges, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, Northwest Indian College, and Washington State University. Running Start students must currently pay all mandatory fees established by the community and technical colleges. Students may also be required to pay the technology fee as required by other institutions of higher education. Fees are prorated based on credit load. Institutions of higher education must make available fee waivers for low-income students.
Summary of Bill: Running Start students may be charged up to 33 percent of the cost of tuition by institutions of higher education, prorated based on credit load. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will establish the tuition rate for running start students. The governing boards on the public four-years must establish the tuition rate for running start students. Institutions of higher education must make fee waivers to low-income students available, determined by participation in the free or reduced lunch program. Use of tuition and fee waivers for qualified low-income students is not included in determining total state tuition waiver authority for institutions of higher education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2010.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: This will hurt students from families with a moderate income. Running Start students are not eligible for federal financial aid and will have difficulty paying. There is currently a study underway regarding Running Start finance which is due in December and may help answer some of these questions. Some students would not participate in the program with additional fees being charged.
Persons Testifying: CON: Dan Newell, OSPI; Parris Williams, South Puget Sound Community College; Tana Hasart, Pierce College; Linda Williams, parent; Jonathan Peterson, student.