FINAL BILL REPORT

                E2SHB 2605

                         C 234 L 94

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing higher education statutory relationships.

By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Jacobsen, Brumsickle, Dorn, Bray, Ogden, Dunshee, Pruitt and J. Kohl).

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Background:

Domestic Student Exchange Program

In 1989, four-year institutions of higher education were authorized to enter exchange agreements with comparable public institutions in other states.  Through the agreements, undergraduate upper-division students from out-of-state colleges and universities could pay resident tuition rates for up to one year at a participating Washington baccalaureate institution.  In return, an equal number of Washington students would pay resident tuition rates at the out-of-state institution.

Washington Scholars Program

The Washington Scholars Program was created by the 1981 Legislature.  The program recognizes three outstanding high school seniors from each legislative district.  The students representing each district do not need to live in the district that they represent.  They may be attending a high school in that district instead.  Consequently, at times, more than three students have received awards in some legislative districts, while students in neighboring legislative districts have not received any awards. 

Washington Community and Technical College Exceptional Faculty Awards Program

In 1990, the Washington Community College Exceptional Faculty Awards Program was created.  Through the program, $25,000 in state funds may be matched with an equal amount of private donations.  The state funds and private donations are placed in a local endowment fund created for each faculty award.  Earnings on the money in the fund may be used for faculty development, to supplement the salary of the holder of the award, or to pay expenses associated with the holder's program area.   

Until 1993, by statute, each participating community or technical college was required to receive the state matching money and to manage all money in the endowment fund.  In 1993, legislation was enacted that permitted community and technical college foundations to participate in the program.  Within specified limits, each college foundation was permitted to receive state matching money and manage the money in the endowment fund established for each award.  The legislation did not allow a college foundation to manage endowment funds that were already established by its college.

National Guard Conditional Scholarship Program

From 1979 to 1985, the National Guard Assistance Program operated in Washington.  The program permitted enlisted members of the National Guard to receive grants of up to $1,000 per year to cover reimbursable educational costs at accredited public or private colleges.  The reimbursable costs included tuition, fees, books, institutional services, and laboratory supplies.  Recipients were limited to 12 academic quarters or the equivalent.  From 1979 to 1985, approximately $200,000 per biennium was appropriated for the program.

Under the 1983 Sunset Act, the program was scheduled for termination on June 30, 1985.  The Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) undertook a final program audit.  The committee found that 27 states had tuition waivers or assistance for National Guard personnel.  Two states provided education loans, eight states had selective scholarship programs, and six states provided educational assistance for dependents, usually under hardship conditions.  Seven states did not have any program.

The final LBC program audit concluded that the effectiveness of the assistance program "cannot be readily demonstrated as required under the provisions of the Sunset Act," and that the continuation of the program was not warranted at that time.  The LBC also commented that, "...if the Legislature decides to continue the program, it is additionally recommended that the program be targeted toward enhancing the manning of those National Guard units most likely to be utilized in the event of natural or man made disasters."

Legislation was introduced in 1985 to continue the assistance program.  The legislation did not pass, and the program terminated on June 30, 1985.

Some members of the National Guard are eligible to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill Program.  Eligibility criteria and educational benefits vary depending on the type and date of enlistment, and on the nature of the educational program.

Summary:

Domestic Student Exchange Program

The program is no longer limited to upper division students nor to comparable out-of-state institutions.  Accordingly, a four-year college or university may enter into a student exchange agreement with any institution of higher education in another state.  Through the agreement, each institution will agree to exchange students for one year, and to allow participating students to pay resident tuition rates.

Washington Scholars Program

The Washington Scholars Program will honor three graduating seniors residing in each legislative district.  This replaces the requirement that the three scholars selected to represent each legislative district must be attending a high school located in that district.

Washington Community and Technical College Exceptional Faculty Awards Program

A community college or technical college may transfer money for exceptional faculty awards from its local endowment fund to its foundation's local endowment fund, subject to two conditions:  (1)  the money transferred must have been accumulated between July 1, 1991 and July 25, 1993; and (2)  the transfer must be approved by the college's governing board.

Washington State National Guard Conditional Scholarship Program

The Washington State National Guard Conditional Scholarship program is created.  The program will be administered by the Office of the Adjutant General of the state military department.  Through the program, members of the National Guard below the rank of major may receive conditional scholarships to attend an institution of higher education in Washington.  The scholarship cannot exceed the annual cost of undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Washington, plus an allowance for books and supplies.  The student may attend any Washington public or private college or university accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Participants must repay the scholarship, with interest, unless they serve in the National Guard for one additional year for each year of scholarship received.  The interest rate on any repayments will be 8 percent. 

Funding for the scholarships may come from state or federal funds, private donations, or repayments from participants who do not meet their service obligation.  Program definitions and the powers and duties of the Adjutant General under this program are described.  The responsibilities of the Adjutant General in collecting and managing repayments are also described.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  95 1

Senate 39 10 (Senate amended)

House            (House refused to concur)

Conference Committee

 Senate 41 4

House  95 1

Effective:  June 9, 1994