SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5476

As of February 7, 2003

Title: An act relating to exempting the surviving spouse and children of certain law enforcement officers or fire fighters from paying tuition and fees.

Brief Description: Exempting the surviving spouse and children of certain law enforcement officers or fire fighters from paying tuition and fees.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Hale, Oke, Benton, McCaslin, Winsley and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/10/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Dario de la Rosa (786-7484)

Background: The governing boards of the state's higher education institutions are allowed to offer tuition waivers to certain types of students. Currently, these waivers are permissible and variable. Examples of the categories include tuition waivers for Vietnam veterans and veterans of the Persian Gulf combat zone, state employees and the children of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty are eligible for a tuition waiver.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The governing boards of the state's higher education institutions are required to give tuition waivers to spouses and children of killed or disabled law enforcement officers and firefighters. Eligible children must begin college within 10 years of graduating high school.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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