FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5110

                                  C 465 L 87

BYSenators Gaspard, Bauer, Bailey, Bender, Patterson, Smitherman, Warnke, Saling, Anderson, Zimmerman, Kiskaddon, Rinehart, Garrett, von Reichbauer and Moore

Changing provisions relating to tuition and fee waivers for recipients of the Washington scholars award.

Senate Committee on Education

House Committe on Higher Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 the Legislature established the Washington State Scholars program to provide recognition for three seniors from high schools in each legislative district who had outstanding academic records.  In 1984 the Legislature further provided that regional universities, state universities and The Evergreen State College would waive tuition, operating and service and activities fees for two years for recipients attending their respective institutions.

SUMMARY:

Recipients of the Washington Scholars award will receive a four-year tuition and fee waiver (in place of the current two- year waiver) at any regional or state university or The Evergreen State College.  An outdated reporting requirement is repealed.

Community colleges are added to the list of institutions able to offer waivers to Washington scholars.  The amendment specifies that the waivers are applicable only to undergraduate studies.  The grade point average required for maintenance of the waiver is changed to 3.30.  The time limit on applicability of waivers is changed to 12 quarters or eight semesters.

Allowance is made for Washington scholars to transfer between state institutions.

Provision is made for students in the first three quarters or two semesters who fall below the 3.30 grade average to make application to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for probationary status until the grade point average meets the required standards.

Provision is made for current recipients to be covered under the four-year waiver.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    45     0

      House 92   4 (House amended)

      Senate             (Senate refused to concur)

      House 92   5 (House receded)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987