Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2336

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.

Brief Description: Increasing transparency in higher education by requiring certain departmental budget detail to be available online.

Sponsors: Representatives Zeiger, Seaquist, Haler, Pollet, Manweller, Riccelli, Freeman, Fagan, Magendanz, Morrell, Orwall, Tharinger and Smith.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires institutions of higher education to post departmental budgets on their websites.

Hearing Date: 1/24/14

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

Boards of Regents and Boards of Trustees (Boards) are given power by law to govern their higher education institutions. These Boards have the authority to establish institutional policies and procedures, and oversee financial resources. One of their duties is to develop or approve institutional and departmental budgets.

Summary of Bill:

Institutions of higher education are required to post departmental budgets on their websites within 60 days of an institution's approval of its overall budget.

The posted budgets must align with general higher education budgeting principles and with the department budgets approved by the institution's Board of Regents or Trustees.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.