SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1733

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 16, 2017

Title: An act relating to technical college high school diploma programs.

Brief Description: Concerning technical college diploma programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Springer and Muri.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/17, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 3/16/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows enrollees in high school occupational programs at technical colleges to receive a diploma upon completion of an associates degree.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)

Background: High School Diplomas. School districts must issue diplomas to students signifying graduation from high school upon the students' satisfactory completion of all local and state graduation requirements.

High School Degrees at Community or Technical College. A community or technical college (CTC) may issue a high school diploma or certificate to an individual:

who meets the requirements for high school completion, subject to rules adopted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education;
who completes an associate degree program through Running Start; or
who is 21 years or older and enrolls in a CTC and obtains an associates degree.

Contracts for Occupational and Academic Programs. CTCs may contract with local common school districts to provide occupational and academic programs for high school students. Technical colleges may enter into inter-local agreements with local school districts to provide instruction in courses required for high school graduation, basic skills, and literacy for students enrolled in technical college programs.

Summary of Bill: Anyone who enrolls in a technical college through an occupational and academic high school program operated through a contract between a CTC and a local school district, and satisfactorily completes an associate degree, must be awarded a diploma from the college upon written request.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: As soon as you get an AA degree through these programs, you cannot get a diploma until you turn 21. This bill fixes the small quirk in the program. This bill is identical to the Senate companion bill that passed the Senate with full support.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Springer, Prime Sponsor; Troy Goracke, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.