SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1437
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 of March 27, 2017
Title: An act relating to adding a faculty member to the board of regents at the research universities.
Brief Description: Adding a faculty member to the board of regents at the research universities.
Sponsors: Representatives Pollet, Stambaugh, Orwall, Tarleton, Macri, Bergquist, Stanford and Dolan.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/17, 89-9.
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 3/28/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)
Background: The University of Washington and Washington State University are governed by a Board of Regents. Each consists of ten members, one of whom is a student. The Board of Regents' members are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. The members hold terms of six years, except for the student member who holds a one-year term. The student member is not allowed to participate or vote on matters related to the hiring, discipline, or tenure of faculty members and personnel.
The Board of Regents has the following powers and duties:
maintain full control over the university and its property;
employ the university president, faculty, staff, and all university employees;
establish admissions requirements;
establish colleges, schools, or departments to carry out the purposes of the university;
prescribe courses of study with assistance from faculty;
grant certificates and degrees, including honorary degrees;
accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises for university benefit, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from such;
enter into contracts;
submit reports to the Governor and Legislature; and
offer new degree programs, off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.
Summary of Bill: The Board of Regents for both the University of Washington and Washington State University are increased to 11 members, with the eleventh member being a full-time or emeritus member of the faculty. The faculty member must be selected by the Governor from a list of candidates submitted by the university's faculty senate. The faculty member serves for a three-year term and must excuse oneself from voting on matters related to the hiring, discipline, or tenure of specific faculty members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.