SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5318

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 Passed Senate, January 31, 2014

Title: An act relating to removing the one-year waiting period for veterans or active members of the military for the purpose of eligibility for resident tuition.

Brief Description: Removing the one-year waiting period for veterans or active members of the military for purposes of eligibility for resident tuition.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Becker, Roach, Hobbs, Holmquist Newbry, Honeyford, Hill, Chase, Billig, Kline, Cleveland, Carrell and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/05/13, 2/07/13 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 2/26/13, 3/01/13 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/11/13, 48-0; 1/31/14, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Bailey, Chair; Becker, Vice Chair; Kohl-Welles, Ranking Member; Baumgartner, Frockt, McAuliffe and Tom.

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hill, Chair; Baumgartner, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Capital Budget Chair; Hargrove, Ranking Member; Nelson, Assistant Ranking Member; Keiser, Assistant Ranking Member on the Capital Budget; Ranker, Assistant Ranking Member on the Operating Budget; Bailey, Becker, Braun, Conway, Dammeier, Fraser, Hatfield, Hewitt, Kohl-Welles, Padden, Parlette, Rivers, Schoesler, Tom and Murray.

Staff: Maria Hovde (786-7710)

Background: In Washington, as in most other states, establishing residency for tuition purposes at public institutions of higher education has two components: the establishment of an official domicile, and a waiting period of one year after establishing a domicile. A collection of evidence is required to prove an individual’s domicile. Individuals can only have one legal domicile in the U.S. at one time.

In current law, the term resident student covers many different types of active military duty students, spouses, and dependents, including the following:

The term active military duty means the person is serving on active duty in:

Summary of Bill: The definition of resident student is revised to include the following:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Higher Education): PRO: We are behind the bill. The State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) think the bill will be revenue neutral for community colleges. Many veterans already get certain waivers at community colleges. Central Washington University (CWU) is very veteran friendly and receives a huge number of veteran applicants. Nineteen other states, including Colorado, are already providing a similar policy. Businesses like to hire veteran workers. Veterans like to stay in Washington for quality of life and the zero income tax. Veterans have a strong work ethic. This bill merely allows veterans to compete for admission into school. Veterans will not be displacing Washington residents. We will get some great residents out of this bill. We are fixing a flaw in the system.

Persons Testifying (Higher Education): PRO: Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Mark San Souci, Department of Defense State Liaison Office; Gabriel Bowman, Associated Students of University of Washington Tacoma; Scott Copeland, SBCTC; Jaclyn Sperlich, Associated Students of CWU.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: This bill is a benefit to the community and the economy. Currently, service members leaving active duty must wait one year in order to qualify for resident tuition rates or must pay the higher nonresident tuition rates. The GI Bill only covers resident tuition. Veterans are well-prepared for the workforce; they have skills and experience that often lead to participation in STEM degrees. Many service members already receive tuition waivers so the fiscal note may not be realized.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Jaclyn Sperlich, Associated Students of Central WA University; Gabe Bowman, Associated Students of University of WA Tacoma; Tristan Hanon, Associated Students of WA State University.