SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5280

                    As of February 19, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the office of student assistance.

Brief Description:  Creating the office of student assistance.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Heavey, Thibaudeau, Fraser and Patterson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/20/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jennifer Hanlon (786-7784)

Background:  In 1969, the Legislature established the state student financial aid program to assist financially needy or disadvantaged students.  In 1985, the Legislature created the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The board has the authority to administer any state or state-administered federal student financial aid programs.

Financial assistance programs administered by the board include:  the displaced homemakers program, the blind students assistance program, the state educational trust fund, the state work-study program, the loan program for mathematics and science teachers, the Washington scholars award, the future teachers conditional scholarship program, the Washington international exchange scholarship program, the American Indian endowed scholarship trust fund, and the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program.

Summary of Bill:  The Office of Student Assistance is established.  The office administers the state's responsibilities for student financial aid programs.

The director is the executive head and appointing authority of the office.  The Governor  appoints the director.  Whenever the director's authority is not specifically limited by law, the director has complete charge and supervisory powers over the office.  The director may appoint any committees or councils required by federal legislation as a condition to the receipt of federal funds.

All powers, duties, and functions of the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the office of the Adjutant General of the state Military Department pertaining to financial assistance at institutions of higher education are transferred to the Office of Student Assistance.  Any appropriations made to the board are transferred to the Office of Student Assistance.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 7, 1997.

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