SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2441
As of February 15, 2024
Title: An act relating to a pilot program eliminating college in the high school fees for private not-for-profit four-year institutions.
Brief Description: Establishing a pilot program eliminating college in the high school fees for private not-for-profit four-year institutions.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Corry, Slatter, Stokesbary, Leavitt and Jacobsen).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/24, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/16/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes a pilot program for a private not-for-profit institution to offer College in the High School courses at not cost to students.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background:

College in the High School (CHS) programs provide college-level courses in high schools or high school environments to qualified students who are in or are eligible for enrollment in grades 9 through 12. Students who participate in a CHS program are able to earn both high school and postsecondary credit by completing postsecondary level courses with a passing grade. Programs are established in individual agreements between the schools and colleges or universities.

 

Beginning September 1, 2023, institutions of higher education must provide enrollment and registration in CHS courses at no cost for students in grades 9 through 12 at public high schools. Beginning with the 2023-25 State Omnibus Operating Appropriations Act (Operating Budget), the Legislature must appropriate state funding for CHS courses administered at public secondary schools. State appropriation must be calculated using the total CHS courses administered in the prior academic year, funded at $300 per student up to a maximum rate of:

  • $6,000 per CHS course administered by a state university;
  • $5,000 per CHS course administered by a regional university or the state college; or
  • $3,500 per CHS course administered by a community or technical college. 
Summary of Bill:

Subject to amounts appropriated specifically for this purpose, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) must select a private, not-for-profit four-year institution of higher education to participate in a pilot program offering college in the high school courses at no cost to students. The pilot program must select an institution whose main campus is located in Yakima county and who serves rural or underserved communities.

 

WSAC must distribute the funds to the pilot institution at a rate of $300 per student, up to a maximum of $6,000 per college in the high school course administered by the pilot institution.

 

College in the high school courses must not include content or instruction that would subject the students to religious behavior or conduct.

 

The pilot institution must report to WSAC data including but not limited to: courses offered, student enrollment disaggregated by demographic, and where courses are taught. WSAC must report to the Legislature on the pilot program by December 1, 2025, and annually thereafter.

 

The pilot program expires December 31, 2030.
Appropriation: The bill contains a section or sections to limit implementation to the availability of amounts appropriated for that specific purpose.
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.