Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2854
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: Establishing pilot programs to plan for the needs of certain college students experiencing homelessness.
Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Kloba, Lovick, Peterson, Frame, Dolan, Valdez, Robinson, Sawyer, Blake, Appleton, Haler, Kagi, Stanford, Doglio, Slatter, Pollet, Santos and Goodman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date:
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (State Board) is a state agency led by a nine-member governor-appointed board that is charged with coordinating and advocating on behalf of the state's 34 community and technical colleges. The community and technical colleges are located in 30 college districts across the state. Community and technical colleges have open door policies, and their purpose is to provide comprehensive education and training that meets the needs of the community, basic skills and literacy education, and apprenticeship opportunities.
The Student Achievement Council (Council) is the state agency tasked with providing strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of education attainment. The Council is responsible for authorizing degree-granting institutions, administering the state's financial aid programs, setting minimum college admission standards, and providing research and policy recommendations.
Homeless often refers to a condition where an individual lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) includes several questions to help colleges and universities determine if a student is homeless. The college or university then needs to verify a student's status, such as through documentation provided by a shelter or through a financial aid administrator.
Summary of Bill:
The State Board and the Council must both establish pilot programs to encourage the community and technical college districts and the four-year higher education institutions to plan for the needs and challenges of homeless students. Plans to accommodate homeless students may include laundry facilities, storage, showers, free or reduced-price meals, short-term housing, an annual stipend for purchasing clothing or technology, establishing a case manager program for assisting homeless and at-risk students, or plans to develop surplus property for affordable housing.
The State Board pilot program must include four college districts, with two on each side of the Cascade Mountains. The Council pilot program must include two four-year higher education institutions, one on each side of the Cascade Mountains. The pilot programs must both report to the Legislature by December 1, 2023. The reports must include data on the number of students experiencing homelessness, the number of students assisted, and strategies for accommodating students experiencing homelessness. The pilot programs expire July 1, 2023.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.