SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6640

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Higher Education, February 7, 2002

Title:  An act relating to classifying members of the Washington national guard as resident students.

Brief Description:  Classifying members of the Washington national guard as resident students.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Snyder, Jacobsen, Franklin, Kohl‑Welles, Winsley and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/4/02, 2/7/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6640 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kohl‑Welles, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Carlson, Horn, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Parlette, Sheahan and B. Sheldon.

Staff:  Jean Six (786‑7423)

Background:  Members of the Washington National Guard often live in bordering states and do not qualify for higher education tuition at resident rates.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Members of the Washington National Guard are included in the definition of "resident student" for tuition paying purposes.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The resident definition applies to the Washington National Guard member, not to a spouse or dependents.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill is a matter of equity with members of other military services.  There are about 8,000 members of the Washington National Guard with 300 living outside our state.  Maybe 60 would take advantage of resident tuition rates.  Residents of other states often decide to join the Washington National Guard based on the specialty or training available in this state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Marilyn Rasmussen, prime sponsor; Lee Legowick, WA Military Department.