BILL REQ. #:  H-3553.1 

Read first time 01/16/12.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to creating higher education student auditing committees; adding a new section to chapter 28B.15 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that, as higher education consumers, students have a strong interest in a system that is as cost-effective as possible. It is the intent of the legislature to enhance the affordability and efficiency of higher education programs and institutions by providing a mechanism for systematic review and consideration of cost containment strategies.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.15 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A student auditing committee composed of student members shall be created at each four-year institution of higher education. Each institution's student government association shall appoint not more than seven members to the committee, one of whom shall be the student member on the board of regents or the board of trustees of the four-year institution as provided in RCW 28B.20.100, 28B.30.100, 28B.35.100, and 28B.40.100. The chair of the committee shall be selected from among the membership.
     (2) Each year the student auditing committee shall examine at least one major project at the institution of higher education for the purpose of identifying programs, practices, and processes that could benefit from improved efficiency and report findings and recommendations for reducing costs. Copies of the report shall be distributed to the board members and made available to the public on the institution's web site.
     (3) The boards of regents and the boards of trustees at each four-year institution of higher education shall provide at least one opportunity per year for the student auditing committee to present its findings and recommendations at a public meeting of the board.
     (4) The student auditing committee shall consult with staff of the joint legislative audit and review committee and the successor agency to the higher education coordinating board for guidance on choosing appropriate projects, methodology, and presentation of information.
     (5) This section expires July 1, 2017.