COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair and

Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 2904

Brief Description: Expanding geographic eligibility for the border county higher education opportunity pilot project.

Background: In 1999, the border county higher education opportunity pilot project was created.  Under the pilot project, residents of Oregon who have resided in Columbia, Multnomah, Clatsop, or Washington counties for at least 90 days, are eligible to pay resident tuition rates if they enroll in community college programs located in the Washington counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, or Pacific.  Residents of the four Oregon counties that enroll in courses at the Vancouver branch of Washington State University for eight credits or less may do so at the resident tuition rates.  Participating Washington institutions are required to give priority program enrollment to Washington residents.

The pilot project is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).  By November 30, 2001, the board shall report to the Governor and the Legislature the results of the pilot project and make recommendations on the extent to which border county tuition policies should be revised or expanded.  For each participating institution, the HECB is required to analyze, by program, the impact of the pilot program on: enrollment levels, distribution of students by residency, and enrollment capacity.

The Portland metropolitan area is comprised of three counties: Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas.  Currently only Multnomah and Washington county residents are eligible for the resident tuition rate. 

Summary:  The border county higher education opportunity pilot project is expanded to include residents of Clackamas county, Oregon. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 2000.

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

Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee

by Tracey Taylor,(786-7196)

Office of Program Research

February 2, 2000