BILL REQ. #:  S-0176.2 

Read first time 01/12/09.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

     AN ACT Relating to the state work-study program; amending RCW 28B.12.030 and 28B.12.060; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that Washington employers have work-study internship opportunities available for students in high demand fields. The legislature further finds that work-study experiences help students gain valuable work skills while also helping them finance their higher education. The legislature intends to provide a greater emphasis on internships for Washington work-study students in high employer demand fields.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.12.030 and 2002 c 187 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context shall clearly indicate another or different meaning or intent:
     (1) The term "needy student" shall mean a resident student, as defined in RCW 28B.15.012, enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a postsecondary institution who, according to a system of need analysis approved by the higher education coordinating board, demonstrates a financial inability, either parental, familial, or personal, to bear the total cost of education for any semester or quarter.
     (2) The term "eligible institution" shall mean any post-secondary institution in this state accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or a branch of a member institution of an accrediting association recognized by rule of the board for purposes of this section, that is eligible for federal student financial aid assistance and has operated as a nonprofit college or university delivering on-site classroom instruction for a minimum of twenty consecutive years within the state of Washington, or any public technical college in the state.

Sec. 3   RCW 28B.12.060 and 2005 c 93 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall adopt rules as may be necessary or appropriate for effecting the provisions of this chapter, and not in conflict with this chapter, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the state higher education administrative procedure act. Such rules shall include provisions designed to make employment under the work-study program reasonably available, to the extent of available funds, to all eligible needy students in eligible postsecondary institutions ((in need thereof)). The rules shall include:
     (1) Providing work under the state work-study program that will not result in the displacement of employed workers or impair existing contracts for services;
     (2) Furnishing work only to a student who:
     (a) Is capable, in the opinion of the eligible institution, of maintaining good standing in such course of study while employed under the program covered by the agreement; and
     (b) Has been accepted for enrollment as at least a half-time student at the eligible institution or, in the case of a student already enrolled in and attending the eligible institution, is in good standing and in at least half-time attendance there either as an undergraduate, graduate or professional student; and
     (c) Is not pursuing a degree in theology;
     (3) Placing priority on providing:
     (a) Work opportunities for students who are ((residents of the state of Washington as defined in RCW 28B.15.012 and 28B.15.013, particularly)) former foster youth as defined in RCW 28B.92.060((, except resident students defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2)(g)));
     (b) Job placements in high employer demand fields related to each student's academic or vocational pursuits, with an emphasis on off-campus job placements ((whenever appropriate)); and
     (c) Off-campus community service placements;
     (4) Provisions to assure that in the state institutions of higher education, utilization of this work-study program:
     (a) Shall only supplement and not supplant classified positions under jurisdiction of chapter 41.06 RCW;
     (b) That all positions established which are comparable shall be identified to a job classification under the director of personnel's classification plan and shall receive equal compensation;
     (c) Shall not take place in any manner that would replace classified positions reduced due to lack of funds or work; and
     (d) That work study positions shall only be established at entry level positions of the classified service unless the overall scope and responsibilities of the position indicate a higher level; and
     (5) Provisions to encourage job placements in occupations that meet Washington's economic development goals, especially those in international trade and international relations. The board shall permit appropriate job placements in other states and other countries.