SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5558

BYSenators Gaspard, Bauer, Bailey, Smitherman, Benitz, Barr, McDonald, Bender, Craswell, Conner, Rasmussen, Kreidler, Williams, Hayner, Nelson, West and von Reichbauer

Providing grants to Washington state scholars attending independent colleges or universities.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1987; February 12, 1987; January 28, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5558 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Anderson, Hansen, McMullen, Smitherman, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

                  February 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 the Legislature established the Washington State Scholars program to provide recognition for three high school seniors 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:

The Washington State Scholars tuition and fee waiver program is opened to students who choose to attend an independent college or university.  In any given year, no more than 33 percent of the total number of recipients of the Washington Scholars award who choose to attend an independent college or university may receive grants from the state.  The grants may be no greater than the average of tuition and fees at all state four-year institutions of higher education.  The state grant must be matched equally by the independent institution with either money or waiver of tuition and/or fees.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board will establish rules for the disbursement of the grants.  Students receiving the grants may not major in theology.  A definition of "independent college or university" is included.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Existing language is stricken and the following is substituted:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is directed to conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of expanding the Washington scholars program to allow the provision of grants to award recipients who choose to attend an independent institution of higher education in the state of Washington.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will report to the Legislature on or before December 1, 1988 on the results of the study.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Tom Parker, Washington Friends of Higher Education (for); Bob Waldo, Council of Presidents; Steve Polken, Washington Education Association (against)