FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5328

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.

Background: The State Need Grant (SNG) program assists needy and disadvantaged students by offsetting a portion of their higher education costs. To be eligible, a student's family income cannot exceed 70 percent of the state's median family income, currently $58,500 for a family of four. Approximately 70,000 low-income recipients received SNG funds during the 2013-14 academic year. However, 33,500 students were unserved for one or more terms. The Legislature provided the SNG program $308 million for 2014-15.

In 2014 the Legislature passed SB 6358, requiring the community and technical colleges to provide financial aid application due dates and information on whether or not financial aid will be awarded on a rolling basis to admitted students at the time of their acceptance. The Legislature encouraged institutions of higher education to post financial aid application dates and distribution policies on their websites.

Summary: Public four-year institutions of higher education must provide financial aid application due dates and distribution policies on their websites, including whether financial aid is awarded on a rolling basis, for prospective and admitted students.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	96	1	(House amended)
Senate	45	0	(Senate concurred)