SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2259
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, February 22, 2012
Title: An act relating to higher education reporting requirements.
Brief Description: Eliminating certain duplicative higher education reporting requirements.
Sponsors: House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Zeiger, Seaquist, Haler and Roberts).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/12, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/21/12, 2/22/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Tom, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Hill, Ranking Minority Member; Baumgartner, Becker, Frockt, Kastama, Kilmer and Stevens.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: Institutions of higher education are required to report on a variety of information related to crime statistics and campus safety under state law. These requirements include submitting a monthly report, as well as publishing an annual report, on crime statistics; developing a campus safety plan and updating it annually; entering into a memoranda of understanding that outlines the responsibilities of affected local governments in the event of a campus emergency; and establishing a task force to examine campus security and safety issues at least annually.
These institutions are also required to report information related to campus security under the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This federal law updated and expanded campus security reporting provisions for higher education institutions contained in the federal Clery Act. The 2008 law added, among other provisions, new categories to the list of hate crimes all institutions must disclose; a new disclosure regarding the relationship of campus security personnel with state and local law enforcement agencies; implementation and disclosure of emergency notification and evacuation procedures; and implementation and disclosure of missing student notification procedures for institutions with on-campus student housing.
Summary of Bill: The requirements in state law for institutions of higher education related to crime statistics reporting and campus safety plan development are repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2012.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Gets rid of a duplicative report. We have looked at campus safety at our schools. The duplicative part is crime statistics. This saves us money. We are streamlining. Reports are posted publically and sent to students, faculty, and employees.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Deb Merle, SBCTC; Paul Francis, Council of Presidents; Sherry Burkey, Western WA University.