HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 6481

                       As Passed House

                        March 2, 1994

Title:  An act relating to services and activities fees.

Brief Description:  Requiring approval by an institution of higher education's governing board and services and activities fees committee before shifting budgeted services and activities fees.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Bauer, Prince, West, Sellar, Morton, Drew, Rinehart, A. Smith and Sheldon).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Higher Education, February 25, 1994, DP.

Passed House, March 2, 1994, 95-1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 16 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Quall, Vice Chair; Brumsickle, Ranking Minority Member; Sheahan, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Bray; Carlson; Casada; Finkbeiner; Flemming; Kessler; Ogden; Orr; Rayburn; Shin and Wood.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  Governing boards have statutory authority to collect services and activities fees.  Services and activities fees are collected from students and used to fund student services and programs.

The services and activities fee committee evaluates programs and submits budget recommendations to the governing board and the administration.  The college administration reviews the service and activities fee budget recommendations and publishes a written response. The governing board has the final authority for adopting a services and activities fee budget.

Currently, once the service and activities fee budget is approved by a governing board, funds cannot be shifted until:  (1) the administration provides written justification to the services and activities fee committee and the governing board; or (2) the governing board gives its express approval.

Summary of Bill:  Once the service and activities fee budget is approved by the governing board, funds cannot be shifted until:  (1) the administration provides written reasons for the change to the services and activities fee committee and the governing board; and (2) the governing board and the services and activities fee committee give their express approval.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  University administrative officials and students are in agreement on this bill.  The bill eliminates the possibility of the administration redirecting funds without approval of the services and activities fee committee.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Heather Flodstrom, Associated Students of Central Washington University (pro).