SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6161

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.

Title: An act relating to including certain residents who do not have a high school diploma or credential and the number of students expected to enroll in basic education for adults courses at community and technical colleges in caseload forecast council forecasting.

Brief Description: Including certain residents who do not have a high school diploma or credential and the number of students expected to enroll in basic education for adults courses at community and technical colleges in caseload forecast council forecasting.

Background: In 2014, the Legislature declared that the statewide educational attainment goals required to meet the societal and economic needs of the future are as follows:

all adults in Washington, ages 25-44, will have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
at least 70 percent of Washington adults, ages 25-44, will have a postsecondary credential.

The Caseload Forecast Council (Forecast Council) is in charge of overseeing the preparation and approval of the official state caseload forecasts. Under RCW 43.88C.010, the only official statewide forecast that the Caseload Forecast council conducts related to higher education is the number of students eligible for the College Bound Scholarship who are expected to attend an institution of higher learning.

Summary of Bill: The Forecast Council is required to forecast the number of state residents ages 25-44 who do not have a high school diploma or credential, and the number of students expected to enroll in basic education for adults courses at community and technical colleges.