SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6101

BYSenators Saling, Smitherman, Gaspard, Rinehart, West and Stratton

Changing eligibility requirements for members of the state board for community college education.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

                  March 4, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Since the creation of the community college system in 1967, members of the State Board for Community College Education (SBCCE) have been prohibited from serving upon, or being an employee of, any other public or private educational board and from having any pecuniary interest in education during their term of office.  This restriction was enacted because the community college system was, at that time, being created in part from educational institutions which were under the authority of the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and local school districts.  It is argued that the potential for conflicts of interest which resulted in this restriction are presently covered by the Executive Branch Conflict of Interest Act (RCW Chapter 42.18), and that the qualifications for service upon the SBCCE should be no more restrictive than for other higher education boards.

SUMMARY:

The restriction which prohibits a member of the State Board for Community College Education from serving, during his or her term of office, as a member or employee of any public or private educational board, and from having any direct pecuniary interest in education in this state, is eliminated.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Earl Hale, State Board for Community College Education; Lloyd Peterson, Deputy Attorney General

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

An emergency clause is added.  The act will take effect immediately.