SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6593

BYSenators Saling, Anderson and McDonald

Prohibiting the use of general fund moneys for intercollegiate athletics at community colleges.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Senate Staff:Jean Six (786-7423)

AS OF FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1971 the Legislature granted higher education governing boards the "power and authority to establish programs for intercollegiate athletic competition" (RCW 28B.10.703).  In 1975 the first major study on intercollegiate athletics developed a series of recommendations based on a number of premises.  The first of those was that: "The decision as to the type and scope of intercollegiate athletics programs should be an institutional decision (that) will require trade-offs at the local level in terms of the financial resources that local decision makers feel they can expend."  To clarify legislative intent and emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate funding for instruction, the 1985 Budget Act included language that declared, "It is the intent of the Legislature that intercollegiate sports become self-supporting to the greatest extent feasible by June 30, 1989."  The most recent study on the costs and revenue sources of current intercollegiate athletic programs was presented to the Senate Education Committee in January of 1986.  That report clearly indicates that no two schools approach athletics in exactly the same manner, nor receive or expend funds in identical ways.

SUMMARY:

Beginning with the 1991-92 school year, no general fund moneys may be spent for intercollegiate athletics at community colleges.  All general fund moneys appropriated to community colleges will be used for instructional programs rather than intercollegiate activities.  Any student fees used for intercollegiate athletics shall be paid on a voluntary basis by each individual student.  Voluntary contributions will lower the cost of education at community colleges for those students who choose not to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 3, 1988