SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5593
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 February 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to addressing equity in access to dual credit opportunities.
Brief Description: Addressing equity in access to dual credit opportunities.
Sponsors: Senators Liias, Wilson, C., Das, Kuderer, Nguyen and Saldaña.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/18/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background: Running Start Program. Running Start allows 11th- and 12th-grade high school students to take courses at community colleges, technical colleges, and various four-year higher education institutions. Upon completing a course, students earn both high school and college credit.
Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition, but students must pay for college fees, purchase textbooks and other materials, and provide their own transportation to and from the institution. Since 2011, higher education institutions that are not community or technical colleges may charge up to 10 percent of tuition costs to students.
Fee Waivers for Low-Income Running Start Students. Higher education institutions must make fee waivers available for low-income Running Start students. Each institution must have a written policy for determining low-income students. Students shall be considered low-income and eligible for a fee waiver upon proof that the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch.
Summary of Bill: Upon knowledge of a low-income student's enrollment in Running Start, school districts must coordinate with higher education institutions to provide documentation of low-income status.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Running Start is a unique opportunity that should be available to as many students as possible. Automatic fee waivers already exist at some institutions and should be extended across the state. It is an important equity issue for students to not have to identify themselves as low-income.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Marko Liias, Prime Sponsor; Katherine Mahoney, OSPI.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.