SENATE BILL REPORT
ESSB 5133
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, March 5, 2015
Title: An act relating to a study of higher education costs.
Brief Description: Concerning a review of higher education costs.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Bailey, Baumgartner, Kohl-Welles and Frockt).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/12/15, 2/17/15 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/05/15, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5133 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Bailey, Chair; Baumgartner, Vice Chair; Kohl-Welles, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Frockt, Liias and Miloscia.
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
Background: The Joint Higher Education Committee (Committee). In 2012 the Legislature created the Committee to annually review the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and provide legislative feedback; create greater communication, coordination, and alignment between the higher education system and expectations of the Legislature; and provide recommendations for higher education policy. The Committee must meet at least twice after the close of session and is made up of four senators and four representatives.
Washington State Joint Transportation Committee. In 2013 the Legislature appropriated $325,000 for the Washington State Joint Transportation Committee to study transportation cost drivers and potential efficiencies. The Committee was directed to convene an advisory panel to provide study guidance and discuss potential efficiencies and recommendations.
Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) must conduct a review of the available data on higher education costs at the public baccalaureates. The review must describe the available cost data for each institution and the cost data for students over the last 20 years, including the cost of research, faculty and staff salaries, administration, health care and benefits, capital, student services, textbooks, and student housing. The review compare whether this data is available for institutions and students in the Global Challenge States. The review must use information already available and report where there are gaps in information.
The Education Research and Data Center and institutions of higher education must provide data and staff support to complete the review. By January 2016, JLARC must issue a report of its findings to the Legislature.
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 on Original Bill: PRO: Understanding the cost drivers will allow students and families to understand what is driving the cost at their universities.
OTHER: There are many other information requests from the Legislature. We want this report to be additive. Is there a way to coordinate information? The Education Research and Data Center already does a report on higher education costs and institutional budgets are on each institution's website.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Hayley Hohman, Associated Students of WA State University.
OTHER: Cody Eccles, Council of Presidents.