BILL REQ. #:  H-4898.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/10/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to higher education; amending RCW 28B.80.380, 28B.80.400, 28B.80.430, 28B.80.200, 28B.80.345, 28B.80.330, 28B.80.335, 28B.80.280, 28B.80.350, 28B.10.044, 28B.15.070, 28B.15.076, 28B.80.175, 28B.80.360, 28B.10.859, 28B.10.868, 28B.10.873, 28B.10.882, 28B.80.160, 28B.80.245, 28B.80.246, 28B.80.620, 28B.80.626, 28B.04.020, 28B.04.030, 28B.04.080, 28B.04.085, 28B.10.800, 28B.10.802, 28B.10.804, 28B.10.808, 28B.10.8081, 28B.10.810, 28B.10.816, 28B.10.818, 28B.10.820, 28B.10.822, 28B.10.790, 28B.10.650, 28A.600.110, 28B.10.020, 28B.10.050, 28B.15.543, 28B.15.545, 28B.15.910, 28B.20.130, 28B.30.150, 28B.35.120, 28B.38.010, 28B.40.120, 28B.50.090, 28B.50.140, 28B.95.020, 28B.119.010, 28C.04.545, 43.105.825, 43.157.010, 43.79.465, 28B.15.760, 28B.15.820, 28B.101.020, 28B.102.040, 28B.108.010, 28B.115.050, 28B.119.030, 28B.133.010, 28B.133.020, and 28B.133.050; adding a new section to chapter 28B.45 RCW; adding new chapters to Title 28B RCW; creating new sections; recodifying RCW 28B.80.300, 28B.80.310, 28B.80.390, 28B.80.400, 28B.80.410, 28B.80.420, 28B.80.110, 28B.80.430, 28B.80.380, 28B.80.200, 28B.80.370, 28B.80.345, 28B.80.330, 28B.80.335, 28B.80.280, 28B.80.350, 28B.10.044, 28B.15.070, 28B.15.076, 28B.80.175, 28B.80.240, 28B.80.210, 28B.80.230, 28B.80.180, 28B.80.360, 28B.10.859, 28B.10.866, 28B.10.867, 28B.10.868, 28B.10.869, 28B.10.870, 28B.10.871, 28B.10.872, 28B.10.873, 28B.10.880, 28B.10.881, 28B.10.882, 28B.10.883, 28B.10.884, 28B.10.885, 28B.10.886, 28B.80.150, 28B.80.160, 28B.80.170, 28B.80.245, 28B.80.246, 28B.80.272, 28B.80.805, 28B.80.806, 28B.80.807, 28B.80.620, 28B.80.622, 28B.80.624, 28B.80.626, 28B.80.810, 28B.10.800, 28B.10.801, 28B.10.802, 28B.10.804, 28B.10.806, 28B.10.808, 28B.10.8081, 28B.10.810, 28B.10.812, 28B.10.814, 28B.10.816, 28B.10.818, 28B.10.820, 28B.10.821, 28B.10.822, and 28B.80.510; repealing RCW 28B.10.210, 28B.10.215, 28B.10.220, 28B.10.824, 28B.10.874, 28B.10.887, 28B.80.255, 28B.80.265, 28B.80.290, 28B.80.320, 28B.80.340, 28B.80.440, 28B.80.442, 28B.80.450, 28B.80.500, 28B.80.520, 28B.80.600, 28B.80.610, 28B.80.612, 28B.80.614, 28B.80.616, 28B.80.910, 28B.80.911, and 28B.80.912; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The purpose of the board is to:
     (1) Develop a statewide strategic master plan for higher education and continually monitor state and institution progress in meeting the vision, goals, priorities, and strategies articulated in the plan;
     (2) Based on objective data analysis, develop and recommend statewide policies to enhance the availability, quality, efficiency, and accountability of public higher education in Washington state;
     (3) Administer state and federal financial aid and other education services programs in a cost-effective manner;
     (4) Serve as an advocate on behalf of students and the overall system of higher education to the governor, the legislature, and the public;
     (5) Represent the broad public interest above the interests of the individual colleges and universities; and
     (6) Coordinate with the governing boards of the two and four-year institutions of higher education, the state board for community and technical colleges, the work force training and education coordinating board, and the superintendent of public instruction to create a seamless system of public education for the citizens of Washington state geared toward student success.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.80.380 and 1985 c 370 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((The board shall establish advisory committees composed of members representing faculty, administrators, students, regents and trustees, and staff of the public institutions, the superintendent of public instruction, and the independent institutions.)) The board shall establish an advisory council consisting of the executive director of the state board for community and technical colleges, the executive director of the work force training and education coordinating board, the chair of the council of presidents, and the superintendent of public instruction. The advisory council shall also include the following members who shall serve a two-year term: One faculty member of a four-year institution appointed by the council of faculty representatives, one faculty member of a community or technical college appointed by the state board for community and technical colleges, and one president of a four-year independent institution appointed by the board chair based on recommendations from the independent institutions. The board shall meet with the advisory council at least quarterly and shall seek advice from the council regarding the board's discharge of its statutory responsibilities.

Sec. 3   RCW 28B.80.400 and 2002 c 129 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The members of the board, except the chair serving on June 13, 2002, and the student member, shall serve for terms of four years, the terms expiring on June 30th of the fourth year of the term except that in the case of initial members, two shall be appointed to two-year terms, three shall be appointed to three-year terms, and three shall be appointed to four-year terms. The student member shall hold his or her office for a term of one year from the first day of July. The chair serving on June 13, 2002, shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.

Sec. 4   RCW 28B.80.430 and 1987 c 330 s 301 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall employ a director and may delegate agency management to the director. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the board, shall be the executive officer of the board, and shall, under the board's supervision, administer the provisions of this chapter. The executive director shall, with the approval of the board: (1) Employ necessary deputy and assistant directors and other exempt staff under chapter ((28B.16)) 41.06 RCW who shall serve at his or her pleasure on such terms and conditions as he or she determines and (2) subject to the provisions of chapter ((28B.16)) 41.06 RCW, appoint and employ such other employees as may be required for the proper discharge of the functions of the board. The executive director shall exercise such additional powers, other than rule making, as may be delegated by the board by resolution. In fulfilling the duties under this chapter, the board shall make extensive use of those state agencies with responsibility for implementing and supporting postsecondary education plans and policies including but not limited to appropriate legislative groups, the postsecondary education institutions, the office of financial management, the ((commission for vocational education)) work force training and education coordinating board, and the state board for community ((college education)) and technical colleges. Outside consulting and service agencies may also be employed. The board may compensate these groups and consultants in appropriate ways.

Sec. 5   RCW 28B.80.200 and 1985 c 370 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board is designated as the state commission as provided for in Section 1202 of the education amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-318), as now or hereafter amended; and shall perform such functions as is necessary to comply with federal directives pertaining to the provisions of such law((: PROVIDED, That notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 28B.80.050, all members of the board shall have full voting powers in taking actions related to federal postsecondary educational planning functions as provided for in this section and RCW 28B.80.210 through 28B.80.240)).

Sec. 6   RCW 28B.80.345 and 2003 c 130 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall develop a statewide strategic master plan for higher education that proposes a vision and identifies goals and priorities for the system of higher education in Washington state. The plan shall encompass all sectors of higher education, including the two-year system, work force training, the four-year institutions, and financial aid. The board shall also specify strategies for maintaining and expanding access, affordability, quality, efficiency, and accountability among the various institutions of higher education.
     (2) In developing the statewide strategic master plan for higher education, the board shall collaborate with the four-year institutions of higher education including the council of presidents, the community and technical college system, and, when appropriate, the work force training and education coordinating board, the superintendent of public instruction, and the independent higher education institutions. The board shall identify and utilize models of regional planning and decision making before initiating a statewide planning process. The board shall also seek input from students, faculty organizations, community and business leaders in the state, members of the legislature, and the governor.
     (3) As a foundation for the statewide strategic master plan for higher education, the board shall ((develop and establish)) review role and mission statements for each of the four-year institutions of higher education and the community and technical college system. ((The board shall determine whether certain major lines of study or types of degrees, including applied degrees or research-oriented degrees, shall be assigned uniquely to some institutions or institutional sectors in order to create centers of excellence that focus resources and expertise)) The purpose of the review is to ensure institutional roles and missions are aligned with the overall state vision and priorities for higher education.
     (4) In assessing needs of the state's higher education system, the board may consider and analyze the following information:
     (a) Demographic, social, economic, and technological trends and their impact on service delivery;
     (b) The changing ethnic composition of the population and the special needs arising from those trends;
     (c) Business and industrial needs for a skilled work force;
     (d) College attendance, retention, transfer, and dropout rates;
     (e) Needs and demands for basic and continuing education and opportunities for lifelong learning by individuals of all age groups; and
     (f) Needs and demands for access to higher education by placebound students and individuals in heavily populated areas underserved by public institutions.
     (5) The statewide strategic master plan for higher education shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
     (a) Recommendations based on enrollment forecasts and analysis of data about demand for higher education, and policies and actions to meet those needs;
     (b) State or regional priorities for new or expanded degree programs or off-campus programs, including what models of service delivery may be most cost-effective;
     (c) Recommended policies or actions to improve the efficiency of student transfer and graduation or completion;
     (d) State or regional priorities for addressing needs in high-demand fields where enrollment access is limited and employers are experiencing difficulty finding enough qualified graduates to fill job openings;
     (e) Recommended tuition and fees policies and levels; and
     (f) Priorities and recommendations on financial aid.
     (6) The board shall present the vision, goals, priorities, and strategies in the statewide strategic master plan for higher education in a way that provides guidance for institutions, the governor, and the legislature to make further decisions regarding institution-level plans, policies, legislation, and operating and capital funding for higher education. In the statewide strategic master plan for higher education, the board shall recommend specific actions to be taken and identify measurable performance indicators and benchmarks for gauging progress toward achieving the goals and priorities.
     (7) Every four years by December 15th, beginning December 15, 2003, the board shall submit an interim statewide strategic master plan for higher education to the governor and the legislature. The interim plan shall reflect the expectations and policy directions of the legislative higher education and fiscal committees, and shall provide a timely and relevant framework for the development of future budgets and policy proposals. The legislature shall, by concurrent resolution, approve or recommend changes to the interim plan, following public hearings. The board shall submit the final plan, incorporating legislative changes, to the governor and the legislature by June of the year in which the legislature approves the concurrent resolution. The plan shall then become state higher education policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies set forth in the plan. The board shall report annually to the governor and the legislature on the progress being made by the institutions of higher education and the state to implement the strategic master plan.
     (8) Each four-year institution shall develop an institution-level strategic plan that implements the vision, goals, priorities, and strategies within the statewide strategic master plan for higher education based on the institution's role and mission. Institutional strategic plans shall also contain measurable performance indicators and benchmarks for gauging progress toward achieving the goals and priorities. The board shall review the institution-level plans to ensure the plans are aligned with and implement the statewide strategic master plan for higher education and shall periodically monitor institutions' progress toward achieving the goals and priorities within their plans.
     (9) The board shall also review the comprehensive master plan prepared by the state board for community and technical colleges for the community and technical college system under RCW 28B.50.090 to ensure the plan is aligned with and implements the statewide strategic master plan for higher education.

Sec. 7   RCW 28B.80.330 and 2003 c 130 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall ((perform the following planning duties in consultation)) collaborate with the four-year institutions including the council of presidents, the community and technical college system, and when appropriate the work force training and education coordinating board, the superintendent of public instruction, and the independent higher educational institutions((:
     (1) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on operating and capital budget requests from four-year institutions and the community and technical college system, based on how the budget requests align with and implement the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.80.345;
     (a))) to identify budget priorities and levels of funding for higher education, including the two and four-year institutions of higher education and state financial aid programs. It is the intent of the legislature that recommendations from the board reflect not merely the sum of budget requests from multiple institutions, but prioritized funding needs for the overall system of higher education.
     (2) By December of each odd-numbered year, the board shall distribute guidelines which outline the board's ((fiscal)) budget priorities to the institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges. The institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall submit ((an outline of)) their proposed budgets, identifying major components, to the board no later than August 1st of each even-numbered year.
     (3) The board shall review and evaluate the operating and capital budget requests from four-year institutions and the community and technical college system based on how the requests align with the board's budget priorities, the missions of the institutions, and the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.80.345 (as recodified by this act).
     (4) The board shall submit recommendations on the proposed budgets and on the board's budget priorities to the office of financial management before November 1st of each even-numbered year, and to the legislature by January 1st of each odd-numbered year((;
     (b))).
     (5) Institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall submit any supplemental budget requests and revisions to the board ((at the same time they are submitted to the office of financial management)) no later than August 1st of each odd-numbered year. The board shall submit recommendations on the proposed supplemental budget requests to the office of financial management by November 1st and to the legislature by January 1st((;
     (2) Recommend legislation affecting higher education;
     (3) Prepare recommendations on merging or closing institutions; and
     (4) Develop criteria for identifying the need for new baccalaureate institutions)).

Sec. 8   RCW 28B.80.335 and 2003 1st sp.s. c 8 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Beginning with the 2005-2007 biennial capital budget submittal, the public four-year institutions, in consultation with the council of presidents and the higher education coordinating board, shall prepare a single prioritized individual ranking of the individual projects proposed by the four-year institutions as provided in subsection (2) of this section. The public four-year institutions may aggregate minor works project requests into priority categories without separately ranking each minor project, provided that these aggregated minor works requests are ranked within the overall list. For repairs and improvements to existing facilities and systems, the rating and ranking of individual projects must be based on criteria or factors that include, but are not limited to, the age and condition of buildings or systems, the programmatic suitability of the building or system, and the activity/occupancy level supported by the building or system. For projects creating new space or capacity, the ratings and rankings of projects must be based upon criteria or factors that include, but are not limited to, measuring existing capacity and progress toward meeting increased space utilization levels as determined by the higher education coordinating board.
     (2) The single prioritized four-year project list shall be approved by the governing boards of each public four-year institution and shall be submitted to the office of financial management and the higher education coordinating board concurrent with the institution's submittal of their biennial capital budget requests.
     (3)(a) The higher education coordinating board, in consultation with the office of financial management and the joint legislative audit and review committee, shall develop common definitions that public four-year institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall use in developing their project lists under this section.
     (b) As part of its duties under RCW 28B.80.330(((4))) (as recodified by this act), the higher education coordinating board shall, as part of its biennial budget guidelines, disseminate, by December 1st of each odd-numbered year, the criteria framework, including general definitions, categories, and rating system, to be used by the public four-year institutions in the development of the prioritized four-year project list. The criteria framework shall specify the general priority order of project types based on criteria determined by the board, in consultation with the public four-year institutions.
     (c) Under RCW 28B.80.330(((4))) (as recodified by this act), the public four-year institutions shall submit a preliminary prioritized four-year project list to the higher education coordinating board by August 1st of each even-numbered year.
     (d) The state board for community and technical colleges shall, as part of its biennial capital budget request, submit a single prioritized ranking of the individual projects proposed for the community and technical colleges. The state board for community and technical colleges shall submit an outline of the prioritized community and technical college project list to the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.80.330(((4))) (as recodified by this act) by August 1st of each even-numbered year.
     (4) The higher education coordinating board, in consultation with the public four-year institutions, shall resolve any disputes or disagreements arising among the four-year institutions concerning the ranking of particular projects. Further, should one or more governing boards of the public four-year institutions fail to approve the prioritized four-year project list as required in this section, or should a prioritized project list not be submitted by the public four-year institutions concurrent with the submittal of their respective biennial capital budget requests as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the higher education coordinating board shall prepare the prioritized four-year institution project list itself.
     (5) In developing any rating and ranking of capital projects proposed by the two-year and four-year public universities and colleges, the board:
     (a) Shall be provided with available information by the public two-year and four-year institutions as deemed necessary by the board;
     (b) May utilize independent services to verify, sample, or evaluate information provided to the board by the two-year and four-year institutions; and
     (c) Shall have full access to all data maintained by the office of financial management and the joint legislative audit and review committee concerning the condition of higher education facilities.
     (6) Beginning with the 2005-2007 biennial capital budget submittal, the higher education coordinating board shall, in consultation with the state board for community and technical colleges and four-year colleges and universities, submit its capital budget recommendations and the separate two-year and four-year prioritized project lists.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   (1) The board shall develop a comprehensive and ongoing assessment process to analyze the need for additional degrees and programs, additional off-campus centers and locations for degree programs, and consolidation or elimination of programs by the four-year institutions.
     (2) As part of the needs assessment process, the board shall examine:
     (a) Projections of student, employer, and community demand for education and degrees, including liberal arts degrees, on a regional and statewide basis;
     (b) Current and projected degree programs and enrollment at public and private institutions of higher education, by location and mode of service delivery; and
     (c) Data from the work force training and education coordinating board and the state board for community and technical colleges on the supply and demand for work force education and certificates and associate degrees.
     (3) Every two years the board shall produce, jointly with the state board for community and technical colleges and the work force training and education coordinating board, an assessment of the number and type of higher education and training credentials required to match employer demand for a skilled and educated work force. The assessment shall include the number of forecasted net job openings at each level of higher education and training and the number of credentials needed to match the forecast of net job openings.
     (4) The board shall determine whether certain major lines of study or types of degrees, including applied degrees or research-oriented degrees, shall be assigned uniquely to some institutions or institutional sectors in order to create centers of excellence that focus resources and expertise.
     (5) The following activities are subject to approval by the board:
     (a) New degree programs by a four-year institution;
     (b) Creation of any off-campus program by a four-year institution;
     (c) Purchase or lease of major off-campus facilities by a four-year institution or a community or technical college;
     (d) Creation of higher education centers and consortia; and
     (e) New degree programs and creation of off-campus programs by an independent college or university in collaboration with a community or technical college.
     (6) Institutions seeking board approval under this section must demonstrate that the proposal is justified by the needs assessment developed under this section. Institutions must also demonstrate how the proposals align with or implement the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.80.345 (as recodified by this act).
     (7) The board shall develop clear guidelines and objective decision-making criteria regarding approval of proposals under this section, which must include review and consultation with the institution and other interested agencies and individuals.
     (8) The board shall periodically recommend consolidation or elimination of programs at the four-year institutions, based on the needs assessment analysis.

Sec. 10   RCW 28B.80.280 and 1998 c 245 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall((, in cooperation with the state institutions of higher education and the state board for community and technical colleges, establish and maintain a statewide transfer of credit policy and agreement. The policy and agreement shall, where feasible, include course and program descriptions consistent with statewide interinstitutional guidelines)) adopt statewide transfer and articulation policies that ensure efficient transfer of credits and courses across public two and four-year institutions of higher education. The intent of the policies is to create a statewide system of articulation and alignment between two and four-year institutions. Policies may address but are not limited to creation of a statewide system of course equivalency, creation of transfer associate degrees, statewide articulation agreements, applicability of technical courses toward baccalaureate degrees, and other issues. The institutions of higher education and the state board for community and technical colleges shall cooperate with the board in developing the statewide policies and shall provide support and staff resources as necessary to assist in ((developing and)) maintaining ((this policy and agreement. The statewide transfer of credit policy and agreement shall be effective beginning with the 1985-86 academic year)) the policies. The board shall submit a progress report to the higher education committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 1, 2006, by which time the legislature expects measurable improvement in alignment and transfer efficiency.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 11   (1) The board shall establish an accountability monitoring and reporting system as part of a continuing effort to make meaningful and substantial progress towards the achievement of long-term performance goals in higher education.
     (2) Based on guidelines prepared by the board, each four-year institution and the state board for community and technical colleges shall submit a biennial plan to achieve measurable and specific improvements each academic year on statewide and institution-specific performance measures. Plans shall be submitted to the board along with the biennial budget requests from the institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges. Performance measures established for the community and technical colleges shall reflect the role and mission of the colleges.
     (3) The board shall approve biennial performance targets for each four-year institution and for the community and technical college system and shall review actual achievements annually. The state board for community and technical colleges shall set biennial performance targets for each college or district, where appropriate.
     (4) The board shall submit a report on progress towards the statewide goals, with recommendations for the ensuing biennium, to the fiscal and higher education committees of the legislature along with the board's biennial budget recommendations.
     (5) The board, in collaboration with the four-year institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges, shall periodically review and update the accountability monitoring and reporting system.
     (6) The board shall develop measurable indicators and benchmarks for its own performance regarding cost, quantity, quality, and timeliness and including the performance of committees and advisory groups convened under this chapter to accomplish such tasks as improving transfer and articulation, improving articulation with the K-12 education system, measuring educational costs, or developing data protocols. The board shall submit its accountability plan to the legislature concurrently with the biennial report on institution progress.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12   (1) In consultation with the institutions of higher education and state education agencies, the board shall identify the data needed to carry out its responsibilities for policy analysis, accountability, program improvements, and public information. The primary goals of the board's data collection and research are to describe how students and other beneficiaries of higher education are being served; to support higher education accountability; and to assist state policymakers and institutions in making policy decisions.
     (2) The board shall convene a research advisory group and shall collaborate with the group to identify the most cost-effective manner for the board to collect data or access existing data. The board shall work with the advisory group to develop research priorities, policies, and common definitions to maximize the reliability and consistency of data across institutions. The advisory group shall include representatives of public and independent higher education institutions and other state agencies, including the state board for community and technical colleges, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the office of financial management, the employment security department, the work force training and education coordinating board, and other agencies as appropriate.
     (3) Specific protocols shall be developed by the board and the advisory group to protect the privacy of individual student records while ensuring the availability of student data for legitimate research purposes.

Sec. 13   RCW 28B.80.350 and 1993 c 77 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall ((coordinate educational activities among all segments of higher education taking into account the educational programs, facilities, and other resources of both public and independent two and four-year colleges and universities. The four-year institutions and the state board for community and technical colleges shall coordinate information and activities with the board. The board shall)) have the following additional policy responsibilities:
     (1) ((Promote interinstitutional cooperation)) Perform periodic analyses of tuition, financial aid, faculty compensation, institution funding levels, enrollment, and other policy issues and provide reports to the governor and the legislature;
     (2) Establish minimum admission standards for four-year institutions, including a requirement that coursework in American sign language or an American Indian language shall satisfy any requirement for instruction in a language other than English that the board or the institutions may establish as a general undergraduate admissions requirement;
     (3) ((Establish transfer policies;
     (4))) Adopt rules implementing statutory residency requirements;
     (((5) Develop and administer reciprocity agreements with bordering states and the province of British Columbia;
     (6) Review and recommend compensation practices and levels for administrative employees, exempt under chapter 28B.16 RCW, and faculty using comparative data from peer institutions;
     (7) Monitor higher education activities for compliance with all relevant state policies for higher education;
     (8) Arbitrate disputes between and among four-year institutions or between and among four-year institutions and community colleges at the request of one or more of the institutions involved, or at the request of the governor, or from a resolution adopted by the legislature. The decision of the board shall be binding on the participants in the dispute;
     (9) Establish and implement a state system for collecting, analyzing, and distributing information;
     (10) Recommend to the governor and the legislature ways to remove any economic incentives to use off-campus program funds for on-campus activities; and
     (11))) (4) Make recommendations to increase minority participation, and monitor and report on the progress of minority participation in higher education;
     (5) In cooperation with the institutions of higher education, highlight and promote innovative programs to improve the quality of instruction, promote local and regional economic development, and enhance efficiency in higher education; and
     (6) Recommend legislation affecting higher education.

Sec. 14   RCW 28B.10.044 and 1997 c 48 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((higher education coordinating)) board shall annually develop information on the approximate amount of state support that students receive. For students at state-supported colleges and universities, the information shall include the approximate level of support received by students in each tuition category. That information may include consideration of the following: Expenditures included in the educational cost formula, revenue forgiven from waived tuition and fees, state-funded financial aid awarded to students at public institutions, and all or a portion of appropriated amounts not reflected in the educational cost formula for institutional programs and services that may affect or enhance the educational experience of students at a particular institution. For students attending a private college, university, or proprietary school, the information shall include the amount of state-funded financial aid awarded to students attending the institution.
     (2) Beginning July 30, 1993, the board shall annually provide information appropriate to each institution's student body to each state-supported four-year institution of higher education and to the state board for community and technical colleges for distribution to community colleges and technical colleges.
     (3) Beginning July 30, 1993, the board shall annually provide information on the level of financial aid received by students at that institution to each private university, college, or proprietary school, that enrolls students receiving state-funded financial aid.
     (4) Beginning with the 1997 fall academic term, each institution of higher education described in subsection (2) or (3) of this section shall provide to students at the institution information on the approximate amount that the state is contributing to the support of their education. Information provided to students at each state-supported college and university shall include the approximate amount of state support received by students in each tuition category at that institution. The amount of state support shall be based on the information provided by the ((higher education coordinating)) board under subsections (1) through (3) of this section. The information shall be provided to students at the beginning of each academic term through one or more of the following: Registration materials, class schedules, tuition and fee billing packets, student newspapers, or via e-mail or kiosk.

Sec. 15   RCW 28B.15.070 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 9 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((higher education coordinating)) board, in consultation with the house of representatives and senate committees responsible for higher education, the respective fiscal committees of the house of representatives and senate, the office of financial management, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the state institutions of higher education, shall develop ((by December of every fourth year beginning in 1989, definitions, criteria, and procedures for determining)) standardized methods and protocols for measuring the undergraduate and graduate educational costs for the state universities, regional universities, and community colleges, including but not limited to the costs of instruction, costs to provide degrees in specific fields, and costs for precollege remediation.
     (2) ((Every four years, the state institutions of higher education in cooperation with the higher education coordinating board shall perform an educational cost study pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. The study shall be conducted based on every fourth academic year beginning with 1989-90. Institutions shall complete the studies within one year of the end of the study year and report the results to the higher education coordinating board for consolidation, review, and distribution.)) By December 1, 2004, the board must propose a schedule of regular cost study reports intended to meet the information needs of the governor's office and the legislature and the requirements of RCW 28B.10.044 and submit the proposed schedule to the higher education and fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate for their review.
     (3) ((In order to conduct the study required by subsection (2) of this section, the higher education coordinating board, in cooperation with)) The institutions of higher education((, shall develop a methodology that requires the collection of comparable educational cost data, which utilizes a faculty activity analysis or similar instrument)) shall participate in the development of cost study methods and shall provide all necessary data in a timely fashion consistent with the protocols developed.

Sec. 16   RCW 28B.15.076 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 9 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((higher education coordinating)) board shall determine and transmit amounts constituting approved undergraduate and graduate educational costs to the several boards of regents and trustees of the state institutions of higher education by November 10 of each even-numbered year ((except the year 1990 for which the transmittal shall be made by December 17)).

Sec. 17   RCW 28B.80.175 and 1994 c 222 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall work with the state board of education ((to establish the task force under RCW 28A.305.285)), the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, the work force training and education coordinating board, two and four-year institutions of higher education, and school districts to improve coordination, articulation, and transitions among the state's systems of education. The goal of improved coordination is increased student success. Topics to address include: Expansion of dual enrollment options for students; articulation agreements between institutions of higher education and high schools; improved alignment of high school preparatory curriculum and college readiness. The board, in conjunction with the other education agencies, shall submit a biennial update on the work accomplished and planned under this section to the education and higher education committees of the legislature, beginning January 15, 2005.

Sec. 18   RCW 28B.80.360 and 1998 c 245 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((The board shall perform the following administrative responsibilities:
     (1))) In addition to administrative responsibilities assigned in this chapter, the board shall administer the programs set forth in the following statutes: RCW 28A.600.100 through 28A.600.150 (Washington scholars); ((chapter 28B.04 RCW (displaced homemakers);)) chapter 28B.85 RCW (degree-granting institutions); ((RCW 28B.10.210 through 28B.10.220 (blind students subsidy); RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824 (student financial aid program))) chapter 28B.-- RCW (as created in section 78 of this act) (state need grant); chapter 28B.12 RCW (work study); ((RCW 28B.15.067 (establishing tuition and fees);)) RCW 28B.15.543 (tuition waivers for Washington scholars); RCW 28B.15.760 through 28B.15.766 (math and science loans); ((RCW 28B.80.150 through 28B.80.170 (student exchange compact); RCW 28B.80.240 (student aid programs); and RCW 28B.80.210 (federal programs).
     (2) Study the delegation of the administration of the following: RCW 28B.65.040 through 28B.65.060 (high-technology board); chapter 28B.85 RCW (degree-granting institutions); RCW 28B.80.150 through 28B.80.170 (student exchange compact programs); RCW 28B.80.200 (state commission for federal law purposes); RCW 28B.80.210 (enumerated federal programs); RCW 28B.80.230 (receipt of federal funds); RCW 28B.80.240 (student financial aid programs); RCW 28A.600.120 through 28A.600.150 (Washington scholars); RCW 28B.15.543 (Washington scholars); RCW 28B.04.020 through 28B.04.110 (displaced homemakers); RCW 28B.10.215 and 28B.10.220 (blind students); RCW 28B.10.790, 28B.10.792, and 28B.10.802 through 28B.10.844 (student financial aid); RCW 28B.12.040 through 28B.12.070 (student work study);)) RCW 28B.15.100 (reciprocity agreement); RCW 28B.15.730 through 28B.15.736 (Oregon reciprocity); RCW 28B.15.750 through 28B.15.754 (Idaho reciprocity); RCW 28B.15.756 and 28B.15.758 (British Columbia reciprocity); ((and RCW 28B.15.760 through 28B.15.764 (math/science loans))) chapter 28B.101 RCW (educational opportunity grant); chapter 28B.102 RCW (future teachers conditional scholarship); chapter 28B.108 RCW (American Indian endowed scholarship); chapter 28B.109 RCW (Washington international exchange scholarship); chapter 28B.115 RCW (health professional conditional scholarship); chapter 28B.119 RCW (Washington promise scholarship); and chapter 28B.133 RCW (gaining independence for students with dependents).

Sec. 19   RCW 28B.10.859 and 1989 c 187 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     For the purposes of RCW 28B.10.866 through 28B.10.873 (as recodified by this act), "private donation" includes assessments by commodity commissions authorized to conduct research activities including but not limited to research studies authorized under RCW 15.66.030 and 15.65.040.

Sec. 20   RCW 28B.10.868 and 1991 sp.s. c 13 s 99 are each amended to read as follows:
     Funds appropriated by the legislature for the distinguished professorship program shall be deposited in the distinguished professorship trust fund. At the request of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.10.870 (as recodified by this act), the treasurer shall release the state matching funds to the designated institution's local endowment fund. No appropriation is required for expenditures from the fund.

Sec. 21   RCW 28B.10.873 and 1987 c 8 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     A distinguished professorship program established under chapter 343, Laws of 1985 shall continue to operate under RCW 28B.10.866 through 28B.10.872 (as recodified by this act) and the requirements of RCW 28B.10.866 through 28B.10.872 (as recodified by this act) shall apply.

Sec. 22   RCW 28B.10.882 and 1991 sp.s. c 13 s 88 are each amended to read as follows:
     Funds appropriated by the legislature for the graduate fellowship program shall be deposited in the graduate fellowship trust fund. At the request of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.10.884 (as recodified by this act), the treasurer shall release the state matching funds to the designated institution's local endowment fund. No appropriation is required for expenditures from the fund.

Sec. 23   RCW 28B.80.160 and 1995 c 217 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     In the development of any such plans as called for within RCW 28B.80.150 (as recodified by this act), the board shall use at least the following criteria:
     (1) Students who are eligible to attend compact-authorized programs in other states shall meet the Washington residency requirements of chapter 28B.15 RCW prior to being awarded tuition assistance.
     (2) For recipients named after January 1, 1995, the tuition assistance shall be in the form of loans that may be completely forgiven in exchange for the student's service within the state of Washington after graduation. The requirements for such service and provisions for loan forgiveness shall be determined in rules adopted by the board.
     (3) If appropriations are insufficient to fund all students qualifying under subsection (1) of this section, then the plans shall include criteria for student selection that would be in the best interest in meeting the state's educational needs, as well as recognizing the financial needs of students.
     (4) Receipts from the payment of principal or interest or any other subsidies to which the board as administrator is entitled, that are paid by or on behalf of participants under this section, shall be deposited with the board and placed in an account created in this section and shall be used to cover the costs of granting the scholarships, maintaining necessary records, and making collections. The board shall maintain accurate records of these costs, and all receipts beyond those necessary to pay such costs shall be used to grant conditional loans to eligible students.
     (5) The Washington interstate commission on higher education professional student exchange program trust fund is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from loan repayment shall be deposited into the fund. Only the higher education coordinating board, or its designee, may authorize expenditures from the fund. No appropriation is required for expenditures from this fund.

Sec. 24   RCW 28B.80.245 and 1999 c 159 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Recipients of the Washington scholars award or the Washington scholars-alternate award under RCW 28A.600.100 through 28A.600.150 who choose to attend an independent college or university in this state, as defined in subsection (4) of this section, and recipients of the award named after June 30, 1994, who choose to attend a public college or university in the state may receive grants under this section if moneys are available. The higher education coordinating board shall distribute grants to eligible students under this section from moneys appropriated for this purpose. The individual grants shall not exceed, on a yearly basis, the yearly, full-time, resident, undergraduate tuition and service and activities fees in effect at the state-funded research universities. Grants to recipients attending an independent institution shall be contingent upon the institution matching on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis, either with actual money or by a waiver of fees, the amount of the grant received by the student from the state. The higher education coordinating board shall establish procedures, by rule, to disburse the awards as direct grants to the students.
     (2) The higher education coordinating board shall establish rules that provide for the annual awarding of grants, if moneys are available, to three Washington scholars per legislative district; and, if not used by an original recipient, to the Washington scholars-alternate from the same legislative district.
     Beginning with scholars selected in the year 2000, if the recipients of grants fail to demonstrate in a timely manner that they will enroll in a Washington institution of higher education in the fall term of the academic year following the award of the grant or are deemed by the higher education coordinating board to have withdrawn from college during the first academic year following the award, then the grant shall be considered relinquished. The higher education coordinating board may then award any remaining grant amounts to the Washington scholars-alternate from the same legislative district if the grants are awarded within one calendar year of the recipient being named a Washington scholars-alternate. Washington scholars-alternates named as recipients of the grant must also demonstrate in a timely manner that they will enroll in a Washington institution of higher education during the next available term, as determined by the higher education coordinating board. The board may accept appeals and grant waivers to the enrollment requirements of this section based on exceptional mitigating circumstances of individual grant recipients.
     To maintain eligibility for the grants, recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average at the college or university equivalent to 3.30. Students shall be eligible to receive a maximum of twelve quarters or eight semesters of grants for undergraduate study and may transfer among in-state public and independent colleges and universities during that period and continue to receive the grant as provided under RCW 28B.80.246 (as recodified by this act). If the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 3.30 during the first three quarters or two semesters, that student may petition the higher education coordinating board which shall have the authority to establish a probationary period until such time as the student's grade point average meets required standards.
     (3) No grant shall be awarded to any student who is pursuing a degree in theology.
     (4) As used in this section, "independent college or university" means a private, nonprofit educational institution, the main campus of which is permanently situated in the state, open to residents of the state, providing programs of education beyond the high school level leading at least to the baccalaureate degree, and accredited by the northwest association of schools and colleges as of June 9, 1988, and other institutions as may be developed that are approved by the higher education coordinating board as meeting equivalent standards as those institutions accredited under this section.
     (5) As used in this section, "public college or university" means an institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.

Sec. 25   RCW 28B.80.246 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 5 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     Students receiving grants under RCW 28B.80.245 (as recodified by this act) or waivers under RCW 28B.15.543 are entitled to transfer among in-state public and independent colleges or universities and to continue to receive award benefits, as provided in this section, in the form of a grant or waiver of tuition and services and activities fees while enrolled at such institutions during the period of eligibility. The total grants or waivers for any one student shall not exceed twelve quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate study.
     (1) Scholars named to the award on or before June 30, 1994, may transfer between in-state public institutions, or from an eligible independent college or university to an in-state public institution of higher education, and are entitled to receive the waiver of tuition and services and activities fees.
     (2) Scholars named to the award on or before June 30, 1994, may transfer from an in-state public institution to an eligible independent college or university, or between eligible independent colleges or universities, and continue to receive a grant contingent upon available funding.
     (3) Scholars named to the award after June 30, 1994, may transfer among in-state public or private colleges and universities and continue to receive the grant contingent upon available funding.
     (4) In addition, scholars who transfer to an eligible independent institution may receive the grant contingent upon the agreement of the school to match on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis, either with actual money or by a waiver of fees, the amount of the grant received by the student from the state.

Sec. 26   RCW 28B.80.620 and 1999 c 177 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The higher education coordinating board, in consultation with the state board of education has the following powers and duties in administering the pilot program established in RCW 28B.80.622 (as recodified by this act):
     (a) To adopt rules necessary to carry out the program;
     (b) To establish one or more review committees to assist in the evaluation of proposals for funding. The review committee shall include individuals with significant experience in higher education in areas relevant to one or more of the funding period priorities and shall include representatives from elementary, two-year, and four-year sectors of education;
     (c) To award grants no later than September 1st in those years when funding is available by June 30th;
     (d) To establish each biennium specific guidelines for submitting grant proposals consistent with the overall goals of the program. During the 1999-2001 biennium, the guidelines shall be consistent with the following desired outcomes of:
     (i) Designing a college-level course for enrollment of selected high school seniors interested in teaching careers and students enrolled in a school-based future teachers academy;
     (ii) Designing discipline-based lower division courses that are thematically linked to state student learning goals, essential academic learning requirements, and upper division courses in the interdisciplinary arts and science curriculum and supportive of teaching areas appropriate for prospective teachers;
     (iii) Designing a preprofessional educational studies minor that would be pursued by prospective kindergarten through eighth grade teachers in conjunction with an interdisciplinary arts and science major;
     (iv) Designing mentoring and service learning activities at the community college level that would provide prospective teachers with an orientation to professional education; and
     (v) Designing a process for satisfying certification requirements that encompasses pedagogical coursework and school-based internships cognizant of the financial constraints of working students.
     (2) The pilot project in this section shall conclude no later than January 1, 2005.
     (3) Beginning on December 31, 2001, the higher education coordinating board shall submit an annual written report to the education and higher education committees of the legislature, the state board of education, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction on the status of the pilot project.

Sec. 27   RCW 28B.80.626 and 1999 c 177 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board teacher training pilot account is established in the custody of the state treasurer. The higher education coordinating board shall deposit in the account all moneys received under RCW 28B.80.624 (as recodified by this act). Moneys in the account may be spent only for the purposes of RCW 28B.80.622 (as recodified by this act). Disbursements from the account shall be on the authorization of the higher education coordinating board. The account is subject to the allotment procedure provided under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for disbursements.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 28   (1) The powers, duties, and functions of administering the displaced homemaker program under chapter 28B.04 RCW are hereby transferred from the higher education coordinating board to the state board for community and technical colleges.
     (2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the higher education coordinating board related to the displaced homemaker program shall be delivered to the custody of the state board for community and technical colleges. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the higher education coordinating board for the displaced homemaker program shall be made available to the state board for community and technical colleges. All funds, credits, or other assets held by the higher education coordinating board for the displaced homemaker program shall be assigned to the state board for community and technical colleges.
     (b) If any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
     (c) Any appropriations made in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred by this act shall, on the effective date of this section, be transferred and credited to the state board for community and technical colleges.
     (3) All employees of the higher education coordinating board related to the displaced homemaker program are transferred to the jurisdiction of the state board for community and technical colleges. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the state board for community and technical colleges to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service.
     (4) All rules and all pending business before the higher education coordinating board related to the displaced homemaker program shall be continued and acted upon by the state board for community and technical colleges. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the state board for community and technical colleges.
     (5) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the higher education coordinating board related to the displaced homemaker program shall not affect the validity of any act performed before the effective date of this section.
     (6) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.

Sec. 29   RCW 28B.04.020 and 1985 c 370 s 36 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that homemakers are an unrecognized part of the work force who make an invaluable contribution to the strength, durability, and purpose of our state.
     The legislature further finds that there is an increasing number of persons in this state who, having fulfilled a role as homemaker, find themselves "displaced" in their middle years through divorce, death of spouse, disability of spouse, or other loss of family income of a spouse. As a consequence, displaced homemakers are very often left with little or no income; they are ineligible for categorical welfare assistance; they are subject to the highest rate of unemployment of any sector of the work force; they face continuing discrimination in employment because of their age and lack of recent paid work experience; they are ineligible for unemployment insurance because they have been engaged in unpaid labor in the home; they are ineligible for social security benefits because they are too young, and many never qualify because they have been divorced from the family wage earner; they may have lost beneficiaries' rights under employer's pension and health plans through divorce or death of spouse; and they are often unacceptable to private health insurance plans because of their age.
     It is the purpose of this chapter to establish guidelines under which the ((higher education coordinating board)) state board for community and technical colleges shall contract to establish multipurpose service centers and programs to provide necessary training opportunities, counseling, and services for displaced homemakers so that they may enjoy the independence and economic security vital to a productive life.

Sec. 30   RCW 28B.04.030 and 1985 c 370 s 37 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Board" means the ((higher education coordinating board)) state board for community and technical colleges.
     (2) "Center" means a multipurpose service center for displaced homemakers as described in RCW 28B.04.040.
     (3) "Program" means those programs described in RCW 28B.04.050 which provide direct, outreach, and information and training services which serve the needs of displaced homemakers.
     (4) "Displaced homemaker" means an individual who:
     (a) Has worked in the home for ten or more years providing unsalaried household services for family members on a full-time basis; and
     (b) Is not gainfully employed;
     (c) Needs assistance in securing employment; and
     (d) Has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income, or has been dependent on federal assistance but is no longer eligible for that assistance, or is supported as the parent of minor children by public assistance or spousal support but whose children are within two years of reaching their majority.

Sec. 31   RCW 28B.04.080 and 1985 c 370 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall consult and cooperate with the department of social and health services; the ((state board for community college education)) higher education coordinating board; the superintendent of public instruction; the ((commission for vocational education)) work force training and education coordinating board; the employment security department; the department of labor and industries; sponsoring agencies under the federal comprehensive employment and training act (87 Stat. 839; 29 U.S.C. Sec. 801 et seq.), and any other persons or agencies as the board deems appropriate to facilitate the coordination of centers established under this chapter with existing programs of a similar nature.
     (2) Annually on July 1st, each agency listed in subsection (1) of this section shall submit a description of each service or program under its jurisdiction which would support the programs and centers established by this chapter and the funds available for such support.
     (3) The board shall serve as a clearinghouse for displaced homemaker information and resources and shall compile and disseminate statewide information to the centers, related agencies, and interested persons upon request.

Sec. 32   RCW 28B.04.085 and 1987 c 230 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The executive coordinator of the ((higher education coordinating)) board shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the displaced homemaker program advisory committee.
     (2) The advisory committee shall be advisory to the executive coordinator and staff of the board.
     (3) Committee membership shall not exceed twenty-two persons and shall be geographically and generally representative of the state. At least one member of the advisory committee shall either be or recently have been a displaced homemaker.
     (4) Functions of the advisory committee shall be:
     (a) To provide advice on all aspects of administration of the displaced homemaker program, including content of program rules, guidelines, and application procedures;
     (b) To assist in coordination of activities under the displaced homemaker program with related activities of other state and federal agencies, with particular emphasis on facilitation of coordinated funding.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 33   Sections 28 through 32 of this act take effect July 1, 2005.

Sec. 34   RCW 28B.10.800 and 1999 c 345 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The purposes of ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter are to establish the principles upon which the state financial aid programs will be based and to establish the state of Washington state need grant program, thus assisting financially needy or disadvantaged students domiciled in Washington to obtain the opportunity of attending an accredited institution of higher education((, as defined in RCW 28B.10.802(1))). State need grants under ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter are available only to students who are resident students as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2) (a) through (d).

Sec. 35   RCW 28B.10.802 and 2002 c 187 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter:
     (1) "Institution or institutions of higher education" ((shall mean (1) [(a)])) means:
     (a) Any public university, college, community college, or ((vocational-technical institute)) technical college operated by the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof; or
     (((2) [(b)])) (b) Any other university, college, school, or institute in the state of Washington offering instruction beyond the high school level which is a member institution of an accrediting association recognized by rule of the board for the purposes of this section: PROVIDED, That any institution, branch, extension or facility operating within the state of Washington which is affiliated with an institution operating in another state must be a separately accredited member institution of any such accrediting association, or a branch of a member institution of an accrediting association recognized by rule of the board for purposes of this section, that is eligible for federal student financial aid assistance and has operated as a nonprofit college or university delivering on-site classroom instruction for a minimum of twenty consecutive years within the state of Washington, and has an annual enrollment of at least seven hundred full-time equivalent students: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no institution of higher education shall be eligible to participate in a student financial aid program unless it agrees to and complies with program rules and regulations adopted pursuant to RCW 28B.10.822 (as recodified by this act).
     (2) ((The term)) "Financial aid" ((shall mean)) means loans and/or grants to needy students enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a student at institutions of higher education.
     (3) ((The term)) "Needy student" ((shall mean)) means a post high school student of an institution of higher ((learning as defined in subsection (1) of this section)) education who demonstrates to the board the financial inability, either through the student's parents, family and/or personally, to meet the total cost of board, room, books, and tuition and incidental fees for any semester or quarter.
     (4) ((The term)) "Disadvantaged student" ((shall mean)) means a post high school student who by reason of adverse cultural, educational, environmental, experiential, familial or other circumstances is unable to qualify for enrollment as a full time student in an institution of higher ((learning)) education, who would otherwise qualify as a needy student, and who is attending an institution of higher ((learning)) education under an established program designed to qualify the student for enrollment as a full time student.
     (5) (("Commission" or)) "Board" ((shall mean)) means the higher education coordinating board.

Sec. 36   RCW 28B.10.804 and 1999 c 345 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall be cognizant of the following guidelines in the performance of its duties:
     (1) The board shall be research oriented, not only at its inception but continually through its existence.
     (2) The board shall coordinate all existing programs of financial aid except those specifically dedicated to a particular institution by the donor.
     (3) The board shall take the initiative and responsibility for coordinating all federal student financial aid programs to ensure that the state recognizes the maximum potential effect of these programs, and shall design state programs that complement existing federal, state, and institutional programs. The board shall ensure that state programs continue to follow the principle that state financial aid funding follows the student to the student's choice of institution of higher education.
     (4) Counseling is a paramount function of the state need grant and other state student financial aid programs, and in most cases could only be properly implemented at the institutional levels; therefore, state student financial aid programs shall be concerned with the attainment of those goals which, in the judgment of the board, are the reasons for the existence of a student financial aid program, and not solely with administration of the program on an individual basis.
     (5) The "package" approach of combining loans, grants and employment for student financial aid shall be the conceptual element of the state's involvement.
     (6) The board shall ensure that allocations of state appropriations for financial aid are made to individuals and institutions in a timely manner and shall closely monitor expenditures to avoid under or overexpenditure of appropriated funds.

Sec. 37   RCW 28B.10.808 and 1999 c 345 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     In awarding need grants, the board shall proceed substantially as follows: PROVIDED, That nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the board, in the exercise of its sound discretion, from following another procedure when the best interest of the program so dictates:
     (1) The board shall annually select the financial aid award recipients from among Washington residents applying for student financial aid who have been ranked according to financial need as determined by the amount of the family contribution and other considerations brought to the board's attention.
     (2) The financial need of the highest ranked students shall be met by grants depending upon the evaluation of financial need until the total allocation has been disbursed. Funds from grants which are declined, forfeited or otherwise unused shall be reawarded until dispersed.
     (3) A student shall be eligible to receive a state need grant for up to five years, or the credit or clock hour equivalent of five years, or up to one hundred twenty-five percent of the published length of time of the student's program. A student may not start a new associate degree program as a state need grant recipient until at least five years have elapsed since earning an associate degree as a need grant recipient, except that a student may earn two associate degrees concurrently. Qualifications for renewal will include maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an eligible program as determined by the board. Should the recipient terminate his or her enrollment for any reason during the academic year, the unused portion of the grant shall be returned to the state educational grant fund by the institution according to the institution's own policy for issuing refunds, except as provided in RCW 28B.10.8081 (as recodified by this act).
     (4) In computing financial need, the board shall determine a maximum student expense budget allowance, not to exceed an amount equal to the total maximum student expense budget at the public institutions plus the current average state appropriation per student for operating expense in the public institutions.

Sec. 38   RCW 28B.10.8081 and 1991 c 164 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Under rules adopted by the board, the provisions of RCW 28B.10.808(3) (as recodified by this act) shall not apply to eligible students, as defined in RCW 28B.10.017, and eligible students shall not be required to repay the unused portions of grants received under the state student financial aid program.

Sec. 39   RCW 28B.10.810 and 1999 c 345 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     For a student to be eligible for a state need grant a student must:
     (1) Be a "needy student" or "disadvantaged student" as determined by the board in accordance with RCW 28B.10.802 (3) and (4) (as recodified by this act).
     (2) Have been domiciled within the state of Washington for at least one year.
     (3) Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis at an institution of higher education in Washington as defined in RCW 28B.10.802(1) (as recodified by this act).
     (4) Have complied with all the rules and regulations adopted by the board for the administration of ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter.

Sec. 40   RCW 28B.10.816 and 1969 ex.s. c 222 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     A state financial aid recipient under ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter shall apply the award toward the cost of tuition, room, board, books and fees at the institution of higher education attended.

Sec. 41   RCW 28B.10.818 and 1969 ex.s. c 222 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     Funds appropriated for student financial assistance to be granted pursuant to ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter shall be disbursed as determined by the ((commission)) board.

Sec. 42   RCW 28B.10.820 and 1969 ex.s. c 222 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((commission)) board shall be authorized to accept grants, gifts, bequests, and devises of real and personal property from any source for the purpose of granting financial aid in addition to that funded by the state.

Sec. 43   RCW 28B.10.822 and 1999 c 345 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall adopt rules as may be necessary or appropriate for effecting the provisions of ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824 and 28B.10.801, and not in conflict with RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) this chapter, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act.

Sec. 44   RCW 28B.10.790 and 1985 c 370 s 54 are each amended to read as follows:
     Washington residents attending any nonprofit college or university in another state which has a reciprocity agreement with the state of Washington shall be eligible for the student financial aid program outlined in ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) chapter 28B.-- RCW (as created in section 78 of this act) if (1) they qualify as a "needy student" under RCW 28B.10.802(3) (as recodified by this act), and (2) the institution attended is a member institution of an accrediting association recognized by rule of the higher education coordinating board for the purposes of this section and is specifically encompassed within or directly affected by such reciprocity agreement and agrees to and complies with program rules and regulations pertaining to such students and institutions adopted pursuant to RCW 28B.10.822 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 45   RCW 28B.10.650 and 1985 c 370 s 53 are each amended to read as follows:
     It is the intent of the legislature that when the state and regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and community colleges grant professional leaves to faculty and exempt staff, such leaves be for the purpose of providing opportunities for study, research, and creative activities for the enhancement of the institution's instructional and research programs.
     The boards of regents of the state universities, the boards of trustees of the regional universities and of The Evergreen State College and the board of trustees of each community college district may grant remunerated professional leaves to faculty members and exempt staff, as defined in RCW ((28B.16.040)) 41.06.070, in accordance with regulations adopted by the respective governing boards for periods not to exceed twelve consecutive months in accordance with the following provisions:
     (1) The remuneration from state general funds and general local funds for any such leave granted for any academic year shall not exceed the average of the highest quartile of a rank order of salaries of all full time teaching faculty holding academic year contracts or appointments at the institution or in the district.
     (2) Remunerated professional leaves for a period of more or less than an academic year shall be compensated at rates not to exceed a proportional amount of the average salary as otherwise calculated for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section.
     (3) The grant of any such professional leave shall be contingent upon a signed contractual agreement between the respective governing board and the recipient providing that the recipient shall return to the granting institution or district following his or her completion of such leave and serve in a professional status for a period commensurate with the amount of leave so granted. Failure to comply with the provisions of such signed agreement shall constitute an obligation of the recipient to repay to the institution any remuneration received from the institution during the leave.
     (4) The aggregate cost of remunerated professional leaves awarded at the institution or district during any year, including the cost of replacement personnel, shall not exceed the cost of salaries which otherwise would have been paid to personnel on leaves: PROVIDED, That for community college districts the aggregate cost shall not exceed one hundred fifty percent of the cost of salaries which would have otherwise been paid to personnel on leaves: PROVIDED FURTHER, That this subsection shall not apply to any community college district with fewer than seventy-five full time faculty members and granting fewer than three individuals such leaves in any given year.
     (5) The average number of annual remunerated professional leaves awarded at any such institution or district shall not exceed four percent of the total number of full time equivalent faculty, as defined by the office of financial management, who are engaged in instruction, and exempt staff as defined in RCW ((28B.16.040)) 41.06.070.
     (6) Negotiated agreements made in accordance with chapter 28B.52 RCW and entered into after July 1, 1977, shall be in conformance with the provisions of this section.
     (7) The respective institutions and districts shall maintain such information which will ensure compliance with the provisions of this section. ((The higher education coordinating board shall periodically request such information as to ensure institutions are in compliance.))

Sec. 46   RCW 28A.600.110 and 1994 c 234 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     There is established by the legislature of the state of Washington the Washington state scholars program. The purposes of this program annually are to:
     (1) Provide for the selection of three seniors residing in each legislative district in the state graduating from high schools who have distinguished themselves academically among their peers.
     (2) Maximize public awareness of the academic achievement, leadership ability, and community contribution of Washington state public and private high school seniors through appropriate recognition ceremonies and events at both the local and state level.
     (3) Provide a listing of the Washington scholars to all Washington state public and private colleges and universities to facilitate communication regarding academic programs and scholarship availability.
     (4) Make available a state level mechanism for utilization of private funds for scholarship awards to outstanding high school seniors.
     (5) Provide, on written request and with student permission, a listing of the Washington scholars to private scholarship selection committees for notification of scholarship availability.
     (6) Permit a waiver of tuition and services and activities fees as provided for in RCW 28B.15.543 and grants under RCW 28B.80.245 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 47   RCW 28B.10.020 and 1985 c 370 s 50 are each amended to read as follows:
     The boards of regents of the University of Washington and Washington State University, respectively, and the boards of trustees of Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College, respectively, shall have the power and authority to acquire by exchange, gift, purchase, lease, or condemnation in the manner provided by chapter 8.04 RCW for condemnation of property for public use, such lands, real estate and other property, and interests therein as they may deem necessary for the use of said institutions respectively. However, the purchase or lease of major off-campus facilities is subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board under ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act.

Sec. 48   RCW 28B.10.050 and 1985 c 370 s 91 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as the legislature shall otherwise specifically direct, the boards of regents and the boards of trustees for the state universities, the regional universities, and The Evergreen State College may establish entrance requirements for their respective institutions of higher education which meet or exceed the minimum entrance requirements established under RCW 28B.80.350(2) (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 49   RCW 28B.15.543 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 5 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community colleges shall waive tuition and service and activities fees for students named by the higher education coordinating board on or before June 30, 1994, as recipients of the Washington scholars award under RCW 28A.600.100 through 28A.600.150. The waivers shall be used only for undergraduate studies. To qualify for the waiver, recipients shall enter the college or university within three years of high school graduation and maintain a minimum grade point average at the college or university equivalent to 3.30. Students shall be eligible to receive a maximum of twelve quarters or eight semesters of waivers and may transfer among state-supported institutions of higher education during that period and continue to have the tuition and services and activities fees waived by the state-supported institution of higher education that the student attends. Should the student's cumulative grade point average fall below 3.30 during the first three quarters or two semesters, that student may petition the higher education coordinating board which shall have the authority to establish a probationary period until such time as the student's grade point average meets required standards.
     (2) Students named by the higher education coordinating board after June 30, 1994, as recipients of the Washington scholars award under RCW 28A.600.100 through 28A.600.150 shall be eligible to receive a grant for undergraduate course work as authorized under RCW 28B.80.245 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 50   RCW 28B.15.545 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 7 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community colleges shall waive tuition and services and activities fees for a maximum of two years for those recipients of the Washington award for vocational excellence established under RCW 28C.04.520 through 28C.04.540 who received their awards before June 30, 1994. Each recipient shall not receive a waiver for more than six quarters or four semesters. To qualify for the waiver, recipients shall enter the college or university within three years of receiving the award. A minimum grade point average at the college or university equivalent to 3.00, or an above-average rating at a technical college, shall be required in the first year to qualify for the second-year waiver. The tuition waiver shall be granted for undergraduate studies only.
     (2) Students named by the work force training and education coordinating board after June 30, 1994, as recipients of the Washington award for vocational excellence under RCW 28C.04.520 through 28C.04.550 shall be eligible to receive a grant for undergraduate course work as authorized under RCW 28B.80.272 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 51   RCW 28B.15.910 and 2000 c 152 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For the purpose of providing state general fund support to public institutions of higher education, except for revenue waived under programs listed in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, and unless otherwise expressly provided in the omnibus state appropriations act, the total amount of operating fees revenue waived, exempted, or reduced by a state university, a regional university, The Evergreen State College, or the community colleges as a whole, shall not exceed the percentage of total gross authorized operating fees revenue in this subsection. As used in this section, "gross authorized operating fees revenue" means the estimated gross operating fees revenue as estimated under RCW 82.33.020 or as revised by the office of financial management, before granting any waivers. This limitation applies to all tuition waiver programs established before or after July 1, 1992.
     (a) University of Washington       21 percent
     (b) Washington State University       20 percent
     (c) Eastern Washington University       11 percent
     (d) Central Washington University       8 percent
     (e) Western Washington University       10 percent
     (f) The Evergreen State College       6 percent
     (g) Community colleges as a whole       35 percent
     (2) The limitations in subsection (1) of this section apply to waivers, exemptions, or reductions in operating fees contained in the following:
     (a) RCW 28B.10.265;
     (b) RCW 28B.15.014;
     (c) RCW 28B.15.100;
     (d) RCW 28B.15.225;
     (e) RCW 28B.15.380;
     (f) RCW 28B.15.520;
     (g) RCW 28B.15.526;
     (h) RCW 28B.15.527;
     (i) RCW 28B.15.543;
     (j) RCW 28B.15.545;
     (k) RCW 28B.15.555;
     (l) RCW 28B.15.556;
     (m) RCW 28B.15.615;
     (n) RCW 28B.15.620;
     (o) RCW 28B.15.628;
     (p) RCW 28B.15.730;
     (q) RCW 28B.15.740;
     (r) RCW 28B.15.750;
     (s) RCW 28B.15.756;
     (t) RCW 28B.50.259;
     (u) RCW 28B.70.050; and
     (v) ((RCW 28B.80.580; and
     (w))) During the 1997-99 fiscal biennium, the western interstate commission for higher education undergraduate exchange program for students attending Eastern Washington University.
     (3) The limitations in subsection (1) of this section do not apply to waivers, exemptions, or reductions in services and activities fees contained in the following:
     (a) RCW 28B.15.522;
     (b) RCW 28B.15.540; and
     (c) RCW 28B.15.558.
     (4) The total amount of operating fees revenue waived, exempted, or reduced by institutions of higher education participating in the western interstate commission for higher education western undergraduate exchange program under RCW 28B.15.544 shall not exceed the percentage of total gross authorized operating fees revenue in this subsection.
     (a) Washington State University       1 percent
     (b) Eastern Washington University       3 percent
     (c) Central Washington University       3 percent

Sec. 52   RCW 28B.20.130 and 1998 c 245 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     General powers and duties of the board of regents are as follows:
     (1) To have full control of the university and its property of various kinds, except as otherwise provided by law.
     (2) To employ the president of the university, his or her assistants, members of the faculty, and employees of the institution, who except as otherwise provided by law, shall hold their positions during the pleasure of said board of regents.
     (3) Establish entrance requirements for students seeking admission to the university which meet or exceed the standards specified under RCW 28B.80.350(2) (as recodified by this act). Completion of examinations satisfactory to the university may be a prerequisite for entrance by any applicant at the university's discretion. Evidence of completion of public high schools and other educational institutions whose courses of study meet the approval of the university may be acceptable for entrance.
     (4) Establish such colleges, schools, or departments necessary to carry out the purpose of the university and not otherwise proscribed by law.
     (5) With the assistance of the faculty of the university, prescribe the course of study in the various colleges, schools, and departments of the institution and publish the necessary catalogues thereof.
     (6) Grant to students such certificates or degrees as recommended for such students by the faculty. The board, upon recommendation of the faculty, may also confer honorary degrees upon persons other than graduates of this university in recognition of their learning or devotion to literature, art, or science: PROVIDED, That no degree shall ever be conferred in consideration of the payment of money or the giving of property of whatsoever kind.
     (7) Accept such gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises, whether real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, for the use or benefit of the university, its colleges, schools, departments, or agencies; and sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income thereof except as limited by the terms of said gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises. The board shall adopt proper rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds of all fees, and the proceeds, rents, profits, and income of all gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises above-mentioned.
     (8) Except as otherwise provided by law, to enter into such contracts as the regents deem essential to university purposes.
     (9) To submit upon request such reports as will be helpful to the governor and to the legislature in providing for the institution.
     (10) Subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act, offer new degree programs, offer off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.

Sec. 53   RCW 28B.30.150 and 1998 c 245 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     The regents of Washington State University, in addition to other duties prescribed by law, shall:
     (1) Have full control of the university and its property of various kinds, except as otherwise provided by law.
     (2) Employ the president of the university, his or her assistants, members of the faculty, and employees of the university, who, except as otherwise provided by law, shall hold their positions during the pleasure of said board of regents.
     (3) Establish entrance requirements for students seeking admission to the university which meet or exceed the standards specified under RCW 28B.80.350(2) (as recodified by this act). Completion of examinations satisfactory to the university may be a prerequisite for entrance by any applicant, at the university's discretion. Evidence of completion of public high schools and other educational institutions whose courses of study meet the approval of the university may be acceptable for entrance.
     (4) Establish such colleges, schools, or departments necessary to carry out the purpose of the university and not otherwise proscribed by law.
     (5) Subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act, offer new degree programs, offer off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.
     (6) With the assistance of the faculty of the university, prescribe the courses of instruction in the various colleges, schools, and departments of the institution and publish the necessary catalogues thereof.
     (7) Collect such information as the board deems desirable as to the schemes of technical instruction adopted in other parts of the United States and foreign countries.
     (8) Provide for holding agricultural institutes including farm marketing forums.
     (9) Provide that instruction given in the university, as far as practicable, be conveyed by means of laboratory work and provide in connection with the university one or more physical, chemical, and biological laboratories, and suitably furnish and equip the same.
     (10) Provide training in military tactics for those students electing to participate therein.
     (11) Establish a department of elementary science and in connection therewith provide instruction in elementary mathematics, including elementary trigonometry, elementary mechanics, elementary and mechanical drawing, and land surveying.
     (12) Establish a department of agriculture and in connection therewith provide instruction in physics with special application of its principles to agriculture, chemistry with special application of its principles to agriculture, morphology and physiology of plants with special reference to common grown crops and fungus enemies, morphology and physiology of the lower forms of animal life, with special reference to insect pests, morphology and physiology of the higher forms of animal life and in particular of the horse, cow, sheep, and swine, agriculture with special reference to the breeding and feeding of livestock and the best mode of cultivation of farm produce, and mining and metallurgy, appointing demonstrators in each of these subjects to superintend the equipment of a laboratory and to give practical instruction therein.
     (13) Establish agricultural experiment stations in connection with the department of agriculture, including at least one in the western portion of the state, and appoint the officers and prescribe regulations for their management.
     (14) Grant to students such certificates or degrees, as recommended for such students by the faculty.
     (15) Confer honorary degrees upon persons other than graduates of the university in recognition of their learning or devotion to literature, art, or science when recommended thereto by the faculty: PROVIDED, That no degree shall ever be conferred in consideration of the payment of money or the giving of property of whatsoever kind.
     (16) Adopt plans and specifications for university buildings and facilities or improvements thereto and employ skilled architects and engineers to prepare such plans and specifications and supervise the construction of buildings or facilities which the board is authorized to erect, and fix the compensation for such services. The board shall enter into contracts with one or more contractors for such suitable buildings, facilities, or improvements as the available funds will warrant, upon the most advantageous terms offered at a public competitive letting, pursuant to public notice under rules established by the board. The board shall require of all persons with whom they contract for construction and improvements a good and sufficient bond for the faithful performance of the work and full protection against all liens.
     (17) Except as otherwise provided by law, direct the disposition of all money appropriated to or belonging to the state university.
     (18) Receive and expend the money appropriated under the act of congress approved May 8, 1914, entitled "An Act to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several States receiving the benefits of the Act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, and Acts supplemental thereto and the United States Department of Agriculture" and organize and conduct agricultural extension work in connection with the state university in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the acts of congress.
     (19) Except as otherwise provided by law, to enter into such contracts as the regents deem essential to university purposes.
     (20) Acquire by lease, gift, or otherwise, lands necessary to further the work of the university or for experimental or demonstrational purposes.
     (21) Establish and maintain at least one agricultural experiment station in an irrigation district to conduct investigational work upon the principles and practices of irrigational agriculture including the utilization of water and its relation to soil types, crops, climatic conditions, ditch and drain construction, fertility investigations, plant disease, insect pests, marketing, farm management, utilization of fruit byproducts, and general development of agriculture under irrigation conditions.
     (22) Supervise and control the agricultural experiment station at Puyallup.
     (23) Establish and maintain at Wenatchee an agricultural experiment substation for the purpose of conducting investigational work upon the principles and practices of orchard culture, spraying, fertilization, pollenization, new fruit varieties, fruit diseases and pests, byproducts, marketing, management, and general horticultural problems.
     (24) Accept such gifts, grants, conveyances, devises, and bequests, whether real or personal property, in trust or otherwise, for the use or benefit of the university, its colleges, schools, or departments; and sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income thereof except as limited by the terms of said gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises; and adopt proper rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds of all fees, and the proceeds, rents, profits, and income of all gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises.
     (25) Construct when the board so determines a new foundry and a mining, physical, technological building, and fabrication shop at the university, or add to the present foundry and other buildings, in order that both instruction and research be expanded to include permanent molding and die casting with a section for new fabricating techniques, especially for light metals, including magnesium and aluminum; purchase equipment for the shops and laboratories in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering; establish a pilot plant for the extraction of alumina from native clays and other possible light metal research; purchase equipment for a research laboratory for technological research generally; and purchase equipment for research in electronics, instrumentation, energy sources, plastics, food technology, mechanics of materials, hydraulics, and similar fields.
     (26) Make and transmit to the governor and members of the legislature upon request such reports as will be helpful in providing for the institution.

Sec. 54   RCW 28B.35.120 and 1985 c 370 s 94 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to any other powers and duties prescribed by law, each board of trustees of the respective regional universities:
     (1) Shall have full control of the regional university and its property of various kinds, except as otherwise provided by law.
     (2) Shall employ the president of the regional university, his assistants, members of the faculty, and other employees of the institution, who, except as otherwise provided by law, shall hold their positions, until discharged therefrom by the board for good and lawful reason.
     (3) With the assistance of the faculty of the regional university, shall prescribe the course of study in the various schools and departments thereof and publish such catalogues thereof as the board deems necessary: PROVIDED, That the state board of education shall determine the requisites for and give program approval of all courses leading to teacher certification by such board.
     (4) Establish such divisions, schools or departments necessary to carry out the purposes of the regional university and not otherwise proscribed by law.
     (5) Except as otherwise provided by law, may establish and erect such new facilities as determined by the board to be necessary for the regional university.
     (6) May acquire real and other property as provided in RCW 28B.10.020, as now or hereafter amended.
     (7) Except as otherwise provided by law, may purchase all supplies and purchase or lease equipment and other personal property needed for the operation or maintenance of the regional university.
     (8) May establish, lease, operate, equip and maintain self-supporting facilities in the manner provided in RCW 28B.10.300 through 28B.10.330, as now or hereafter amended.
     (9) Except as otherwise provided by law, to enter into such contracts as the trustees deem essential to regional university purposes.
     (10) May receive such gifts, grants, conveyances, devises and bequests of real or personal property from whatsoever source, as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, whenever the terms and conditions thereof will aid in carrying out the regional university programs; sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof except as limited by the terms and conditions thereof; and adopt regulations to govern the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof.
     (11) Subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act, offer new degree programs, offer off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.
     (12) May promulgate such rules and regulations, and perform all other acts not forbidden by law, as the board of trustees may in its discretion deem necessary or appropriate to the administration of the regional university.

Sec. 55   RCW 28B.38.010 and 1998 c 344 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute is created.
     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multi-institutional education and research center, housing appropriate programs conducted in Spokane under the authority of institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016. Washington independent and private institutions of higher education may participate as full partners in any academic and research activities of the institute.
     (3) The institute shall house education and research programs specifically designed to meet the needs of eastern Washington.
     (4) The establishment of any education program at the institute and the lease, purchase, or construction of any site or facility for the institute is subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board under ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act.
     (5) The institute shall be headquartered in Spokane.
     (6) The mission of the institute is to perform and commercialize research that benefits the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of eastern Washington and to develop and strengthen university-industry relationships through the conduct of research that is primarily of interest to eastern Washington-based companies or state economic development programs. The institute shall:
     (a) Perform and facilitate research supportive of state science and technology objectives, particularly as they relate to eastern Washington industries;
     (b) Provide leading edge collaborative research and technology transfer opportunities primarily to eastern Washington industries;
     (c) Provide substantial opportunities for training undergraduate and graduate students through direct involvement in research and industry interactions;
     (d) Emphasize and develop nonstate support of the institute's research activities; and
     (e) Provide a forum for effective interaction between the state's technology-based industries and its academic institutions through promotion of faculty collaboration with industry, particularly within eastern Washington.

Sec. 56   RCW 28B.40.120 and 1985 c 370 s 95 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to any other powers and duties prescribed by law, the board of trustees of The Evergreen State College:
     (1) Shall have full control of the state college and its property of various kinds, except as otherwise provided by law.
     (2) Shall employ the president of the state college, his assistants, members of the faculty, and other employees of the institution, who, except as otherwise provided by law, shall hold their positions, until discharged therefrom by the board for good and lawful reason.
     (3) With the assistance of the faculty of the state college, shall prescribe the course of study in the various schools and departments thereof and publish such catalogues thereof as the board deems necessary: PROVIDED, That the state board of education shall determine the requisites for and give program approval of all courses leading to teacher certification by such board.
     (4) Establish such divisions, schools or departments necessary to carry out the purposes of the college and not otherwise proscribed by law.
     (5) Except as otherwise provided by law, may establish and erect such new facilities as determined by the board to be necessary for the college.
     (6) May acquire real and other property as provided in RCW 28B.10.020, as now or hereafter amended.
     (7) Except as otherwise provided by law, may purchase all supplies and purchase or lease equipment and other personal property needed for the operation or maintenance of the college.
     (8) May establish, lease, operate, equip and maintain self-supporting facilities in the manner provided in RCW 28B.10.300 through 28B.10.330, as now or hereafter amended.
     (9) Except as otherwise provided by law, to enter into such contracts as the trustees deem essential to college purposes.
     (10) May receive such gifts, grants, conveyances, devises and bequests of real or personal property from whatsoever source, as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, whenever the terms and conditions thereof will aid in carrying out the college programs; sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof except as limited by the terms and conditions thereof; and adopt regulations to govern the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof.
     (11) Subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to ((RCW 28B.80.340)) section 9 of this act, offer new degree programs, offer off-campus programs, participate in consortia or centers, contract for off-campus educational programs, and purchase or lease major off-campus facilities.
     (12) May promulgate such rules and regulations, and perform all other acts not forbidden by law, as the board of trustees may in its discretion deem necessary or appropriate to the administration of the college.

Sec. 57   RCW 28B.50.090 and 2003 c 130 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The college board shall have general supervision and control over the state system of community and technical colleges. In addition to the other powers and duties imposed upon the college board by this chapter, the college board shall be charged with the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
     (1) Review the budgets prepared by the boards of trustees, prepare a single budget for the support of the state system of community and technical colleges and adult education, and submit this budget to the governor as provided in RCW 43.88.090;
     (2) Establish guidelines for the disbursement of funds; and receive and disburse such funds for adult education and maintenance and operation and capital support of the college districts in conformance with the state and district budgets, and in conformance with chapter 43.88 RCW;
     (3) Ensure, through the full use of its authority:
     (a) That each college district shall offer thoroughly comprehensive educational, training and service programs to meet the needs of both the communities and students served by combining high standards of excellence in academic transfer courses; realistic and practical courses in occupational education, both graded and ungraded; and community services of an educational, cultural, and recreational nature; and adult education, including basic skills and general, family, and work force literacy programs and services. However, technical colleges, and college districts containing only technical colleges, shall maintain programs solely for occupational education, basic skills, and literacy purposes. For as long as a need exists, technical colleges may continue those programs, activities, and services they offered during the twelve-month period preceding May 17, 1991;
     (b) That each college district shall maintain an open-door policy, to the end that no student will be denied admission because of the location of the student's residence or because of the student's educational background or ability; that, insofar as is practical in the judgment of the college board, curriculum offerings will be provided to meet the educational and training needs of the community generally and the students thereof; and that all students, regardless of their differing courses of study, will be considered, known and recognized equally as members of the student body: PROVIDED, That the administrative officers of a community or technical college may deny admission to a prospective student or attendance to an enrolled student if, in their judgment, the student would not be competent to profit from the curriculum offerings of the college, or would, by his or her presence or conduct, create a disruptive atmosphere within the college not consistent with the purposes of the institution. This subsection (3)(b) shall not apply to competency, conduct, or presence associated with a disability in a person twenty-one years of age or younger attending a technical college;
     (4) Prepare a comprehensive master plan for the development of community and technical college education and training in the state; and assist the office of financial management in the preparation of enrollment projections to support plans for providing adequate college facilities in all areas of the state. The master plan shall include implementation of the vision, goals, priorities, and strategies in the statewide strategic master plan for higher education under RCW 28B.80.345 (as recodified by this act) based on the community and technical college system's role and mission. The master plan shall also contain measurable performance indicators and benchmarks for gauging progress toward achieving the goals and priorities;
     (5) Define and administer criteria and guidelines for the establishment of new community and technical colleges or campuses within the existing districts;
     (6) Establish criteria and procedures for modifying district boundary lines consistent with the purposes set forth in RCW 28B.50.020 as now or hereafter amended and in accordance therewith make such changes as it deems advisable;
     (7) Establish minimum standards to govern the operation of the community and technical colleges with respect to:
     (a) Qualifications and credentials of instructional and key administrative personnel, except as otherwise provided in the state plan for vocational education,
     (b) Internal budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial procedures as necessary to supplement the general requirements prescribed pursuant to chapter 43.88 RCW,
     (c) The content of the curriculums and other educational and training programs, and the requirement for degrees and certificates awarded by the colleges,
     (d) Standard admission policies,
     (e) Eligibility of courses to receive state fund support;
     (8) Establish and administer criteria and procedures for all capital construction including the establishment, installation, and expansion of facilities within the various college districts;
     (9) Encourage innovation in the development of new educational and training programs and instructional methods; coordinate research efforts to this end; and disseminate the findings thereof;
     (10) Exercise any other powers, duties and responsibilities necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
     (11) Authorize the various community and technical colleges to offer programs and courses in other districts when it determines that such action is consistent with the purposes set forth in RCW 28B.50.020 as now or hereafter amended;
     (12) Notwithstanding any other law or statute regarding the sale of state property, sell or exchange and convey any or all interest in any community and technical college real and personal property, except such property as is received by a college district in accordance with RCW 28B.50.140(8), when it determines that such property is surplus or that such a sale or exchange is in the best interests of the community and technical college system;
     (13) In order that the treasurer for the state board for community and technical colleges appointed in accordance with RCW 28B.50.085 may make vendor payments, the state treasurer will honor warrants drawn by the state board providing for an initial advance on July 1, 1982, of the current biennium and on July 1 of each succeeding biennium from the state general fund in an amount equal to twenty-four percent of the average monthly allotment for such budgeted biennium expenditures for the state board for community and technical colleges as certified by the office of financial management; and at the conclusion of such initial month and for each succeeding month of any biennium, the state treasurer will reimburse expenditures incurred and reported monthly by the state board treasurer in accordance with chapter 43.88 RCW: PROVIDED, That the reimbursement to the state board for actual expenditures incurred in the final month of each biennium shall be less the initial advance made in such biennium;
     (14) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (12) of this section, may receive such gifts, grants, conveyances, devises, and bequests of real or personal property from private sources as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, whenever the terms and conditions thereof will aid in carrying out the community and technical college programs and may sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof according to the terms and conditions thereof; and adopt regulations to govern the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof;
     (15) The college board shall have the power of eminent domain;
     (16) Provide general supervision over the state's technical colleges. The president of each technical college shall report directly to the director of the state board for community and technical colleges, or the director's designee, until local control is assumed by a new or existing board of trustees as appropriate, except that a college president shall have authority over program decisions of his or her college until the establishment of a board of trustees for that college. The directors of the vocational-technical institutes on March 1, 1991, shall be designated as the presidents of the new technical colleges.

Sec. 58   RCW 28B.50.140 and 1997 c 281 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each board of trustees:
     (1) Shall operate all existing community and technical colleges in its district;
     (2) Shall create comprehensive programs of community and technical college education and training and maintain an open-door policy in accordance with the provisions of RCW 28B.50.090(3). However, technical colleges, and college districts containing only technical colleges, shall maintain programs solely for occupational education, basic skills, and literacy purposes. For as long as a need exists, technical colleges may continue those programs, activities, and services they offered during the twelve-month period preceding September 1, 1991;
     (3) Shall employ for a period to be fixed by the board a college president for each community and technical college and, may appoint a president for the district, and fix their duties and compensation, which may include elements other than salary. Compensation under this subsection shall not affect but may supplement retirement, health care, and other benefits that are otherwise applicable to the presidents as state employees. The board shall also employ for a period to be fixed by the board members of the faculty and such other administrative officers and other employees as may be necessary or appropriate and fix their salaries and duties. Compensation and salary increases under this subsection shall not exceed the amount or percentage established for those purposes in the state appropriations act by the legislature as allocated to the board of trustees by the state board for community and technical colleges. The state board for community and technical colleges shall adopt rules defining the permissible elements of compensation under this subsection;
     (4) May establish, under the approval and direction of the college board, new facilities as community needs and interests demand. However, the authority of boards of trustees to purchase or lease major off-campus facilities shall be subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to ((RCW 28B.80.340(5))) section 9 of this act;
     (5) May establish or lease, operate, equip and maintain dormitories, food service facilities, bookstores and other self-supporting facilities connected with the operation of the community and technical college;
     (6) May, with the approval of the college board, borrow money and issue and sell revenue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness for the construction, reconstruction, erection, equipping with permanent fixtures, demolition and major alteration of buildings or other capital assets, and the acquisition of sites, rights-of-way, easements, improvements or appurtenances, for dormitories, food service facilities, and other self-supporting facilities connected with the operation of the community and technical college in accordance with the provisions of RCW 28B.10.300 through 28B.10.330 where applicable;
     (7) May establish fees and charges for the facilities authorized hereunder, including reasonable rules and regulations for the government thereof, not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of the college board; each board of trustees operating a community and technical college may enter into agreements, subject to rules and regulations of the college board, with owners of facilities to be used for housing regarding the management, operation, and government of such facilities, and any board entering into such an agreement may:
     (a) Make rules and regulations for the government, management and operation of such housing facilities deemed necessary or advisable; and
     (b) Employ necessary employees to govern, manage and operate the same;
     (8) May receive such gifts, grants, conveyances, devises and bequests of real or personal property from private sources, as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, whenever the terms and conditions thereof will aid in carrying out the community and technical college programs as specified by law and the regulations of the state college board; sell, lease or exchange, invest or expend the same or the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof according to the terms and conditions thereof; and adopt regulations to govern the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits and income thereof;
     (9) May establish and maintain night schools whenever in the discretion of the board of trustees it is deemed advisable, and authorize classrooms and other facilities to be used for summer or night schools, or for public meetings and for any other uses consistent with the use of such classrooms or facilities for community and technical college purposes;
     (10) May make rules and regulations for pedestrian and vehicular traffic on property owned, operated, or maintained by the district;
     (11) Shall prescribe, with the assistance of the faculty, the course of study in the various departments of the community and technical college or colleges under its control, and publish such catalogues and bulletins as may become necessary;
     (12) May grant to every student, upon graduation or completion of a course of study, a suitable diploma, nonbaccalaureate degree or certificate. Technical colleges shall offer only nonbaccalaureate technical degrees under the rules of the state board for community and technical colleges that are appropriate to their work force education and training mission. The primary purpose of this degree is to lead the individual directly to employment in a specific occupation. Technical colleges may not offer transfer degrees. The board, upon recommendation of the faculty, may also confer honorary associate of arts degrees upon persons other than graduates of the community college, in recognition of their learning or devotion to education, literature, art, or science. No degree may be conferred in consideration of the payment of money or the donation of any kind of property;
     (13) Shall enforce the rules and regulations prescribed by the state board for community and technical colleges for the government of community and technical colleges, students and teachers, and promulgate such rules and regulations and perform all other acts not inconsistent with law or rules and regulations of the state board for community and technical colleges as the board of trustees may in its discretion deem necessary or appropriate to the administration of college districts: PROVIDED, That such rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, rules and regulations relating to housing, scholarships, conduct at the various community and technical college facilities, and discipline: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the board of trustees may suspend or expel from community and technical colleges students who refuse to obey any of the duly promulgated rules and regulations;
     (14) May, by written order filed in its office, delegate to the president or district president any of the powers and duties vested in or imposed upon it by this chapter. Such delegated powers and duties may be exercised in the name of the district board;
     (15) May perform such other activities consistent with this chapter and not in conflict with the directives of the college board;
     (16) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, may offer educational services on a contractual basis other than the tuition and fee basis set forth in chapter 28B.15 RCW for a special fee to private or governmental entities, consistent with rules and regulations adopted by the state board for community and technical colleges: PROVIDED, That the whole of such special fee shall go to the college district and be not less than the full instructional costs of such services including any salary increases authorized by the legislature for community and technical college employees during the term of the agreement: PROVIDED FURTHER, That enrollments generated hereunder shall not be counted toward the official enrollment level of the college district for state funding purposes;
     (17) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, may offer educational services on a contractual basis, charging tuition and fees as set forth in chapter 28B.15 RCW, counting such enrollments for state funding purposes, and may additionally charge a special supplemental fee when necessary to cover the full instructional costs of such services: PROVIDED, That such contracts shall be subject to review by the state board for community and technical colleges and to such rules as the state board may adopt for that purpose in order to assure that the sum of the supplemental fee and the normal state funding shall not exceed the projected total cost of offering the educational service: PROVIDED FURTHER, That enrollments generated by courses offered on the basis of contracts requiring payment of a share of the normal costs of the course will be discounted to the percentage provided by the college;
     (18) Shall be authorized to pay dues to any association of trustees that may be formed by the various boards of trustees; such association may expend any or all of such funds to submit biennially, or more often if necessary, to the governor and to the legislature, the recommendations of the association regarding changes which would affect the efficiency of such association;
     (19) ((Subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board pursuant to RCW 28B.80.340(4),)) May participate in higher education centers and consortia that involve any four-year public or independent college or university: PROVIDED, That new degree programs or off-campus programs offered by a four-year public or independent college or university in collaboration with a community or technical college are subject to approval by the higher education coordinating board under section 9 of this act; and
     (20) Shall perform any other duties and responsibilities imposed by law or rule and regulation of the state board.

Sec. 59   RCW 28B.95.020 and 2001 c 184 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Academic year" means the regular nine-month, three-quarter, or two-semester period annually occurring between July 1st and June 30th.
     (2) "Account" means the Washington advanced college tuition payment program account established for the deposit of all money received by the board from eligible purchasers and interest earnings on investments of funds in the account, as well as for all expenditures on behalf of eligible beneficiaries for the redemption of tuition units and for the development of any authorized college savings program pursuant to RCW 28B.95.150.
     (3) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board as defined in chapter ((28B.80)) 28B.-- RCW (as created in section 76 of this act).
     (4) "Committee on advanced tuition payment" or "committee" means a committee of the following members: The state treasurer, the director of the office of financial management, the executive director of the higher education coordinating board, or their designees, and two members to be appointed by the governor, one representing program participants and one private business representative with marketing, public relations, or financial expertise.
     (5) "Governing body" means the committee empowered by the legislature to administer the Washington advanced college tuition payment program.
     (6) "Contractual obligation" means a legally binding contract of the state with the purchaser and the beneficiary establishing that purchases of tuition units will be worth the same number of tuition units at the time of redemption as they were worth at the time of the purchase.
     (7) "Eligible beneficiary" means the person for whom the tuition unit will be redeemed for attendance at an institution of higher education. The beneficiary is that person named by the purchaser at the time that a tuition unit contract is accepted by the governing body. With the exception of tuition unit contracts purchased by qualified organizations as future scholarships, the beneficiary must reside in the state of Washington or otherwise be a resident of the state of Washington at the time the tuition unit contract is accepted by the governing body.
     (8) "Eligible purchaser" means an individual or organization that has entered into a tuition unit contract with the governing body for the purchase of tuition units for an eligible beneficiary.
     (9) "Full-time tuition charges" means resident tuition charges at a state institution of higher education for enrollments between ten credits and eighteen credit hours per academic term.
     (10) "Institution of higher education" means an institution that offers education beyond the secondary level and is recognized by the internal revenue service under chapter 529 of the internal revenue code.
     (11) "Investment board" means the state investment board as defined in chapter 43.33A RCW.
     (12) "State institution of higher education" means institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.
     (13) "Tuition and fees" means undergraduate tuition and services and activities fees as defined in RCW 28B.15.020 and 28B.15.041 rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The maximum tuition and fees charges recognized for beneficiaries enrolled in a state technical college shall be equal to the tuition and fees for the community college system.
     (14) "Tuition unit contract" means a contract between an eligible purchaser and the governing body, or a successor agency appointed for administration of this chapter, for the purchase of tuition units for a specified beneficiary that may be redeemed at a later date for an equal number of tuition units.
     (15) "Unit purchase price" means the minimum cost to purchase one tuition unit for an eligible beneficiary. Generally, the minimum purchase price is one percent of the undergraduate weighted average tuition and fees for the current year, rounded to the nearest whole dollar, adjusted for the costs of administration and adjusted to ensure the actuarial soundness of the account. The analysis for price setting shall also include, but not be limited to consideration of past and projected patterns of tuition increases, program liability, past and projected investment returns, and the need for a prudent stabilization reserve.
     (16) "Weighted average tuition" shall be calculated as the sum of the undergraduate tuition and services and activities fees for each four-year state institution of higher education, multiplied by the respective full-time equivalent student enrollment at each institution divided by the sum total of undergraduate full-time equivalent student enrollments of all four-year state institutions of higher education, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
     (17) "Weighted average tuition unit" is the value of the weighted average tuition and fees divided by one hundred. The weighted average is the basis upon which tuition benefits may be calculated as the basis for any refunds provided from the program.

Sec. 60   RCW 28B.119.010 and 2003 c 233 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall design the Washington promise scholarship program based on the following parameters:
     (1) Scholarships shall be awarded to students graduating from public and approved private high schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW, students participating in home-based instruction as provided in chapter 28A.200 RCW, and persons twenty-one years of age or younger receiving a GED certificate, who meet both an academic and a financial eligibility criteria.
     (a) Academic eligibility criteria shall be defined as follows:
     (i) Beginning with the graduating class of 2002, students graduating from public and approved private high schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW must be in the top fifteen percent of their graduating class, as identified by each respective high school at the completion of the first term of the student's senior year; or
     (ii) Students graduating from public high schools, approved private high schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW, students participating in home-based instruction as provided in chapter 28A.200 RCW, and persons twenty-one years of age or younger receiving a GED certificate, must equal or exceed a cumulative scholastic assessment test I score of twelve hundred on their first attempt or must equal or exceed a composite American college test score of twenty-seven on their first attempt.
     (b) To meet the financial eligibility criteria, a student's family income shall not exceed one hundred thirty-five percent of the state median family income adjusted for family size, as determined by the higher education coordinating board for each graduating class. Students not meeting the eligibility requirements for the first year of scholarship benefits may reapply for the second year of benefits, but must still meet the income standard set by the board for the student's graduating class.
     (2) Promise scholarships are not intended to supplant any grant, scholarship, or tax program related to postsecondary education. If the board finds that promise scholarships supplant or reduce any grant, scholarship, or tax program for categories of students, then the board shall adjust the financial eligibility criteria or the amount of scholarship to the level necessary to avoid supplanting.
     (3) Within available funds, each qualifying student shall receive two consecutive annual awards, the value of each not to exceed the full-time annual resident tuition rates charged by Washington's community colleges. The higher education coordinating board shall award scholarships to as many students as possible from among those qualifying under this section.
     (4) By October 15th of each year, the board shall determine the award amount of the scholarships, after taking into consideration the availability of funds.
     (5) The scholarships may only be used for undergraduate coursework at accredited institutions of higher education in the state of Washington.
     (6) The scholarships may be used for undergraduate coursework at Oregon institutions of higher education that are part of the border county higher education opportunity project in RCW 28B.80.806 (as recodified by this act) when those institutions offer programs not available at accredited institutions of higher education in Washington state.
     (7) The scholarships may be used for college-related expenses, including but not limited to, tuition, room and board, books, and materials.
     (8) The scholarships may not be awarded to any student who is pursuing a degree in theology.
     (9) The higher education coordinating board may establish satisfactory progress standards for the continued receipt of the promise scholarship.
     (10) The higher education coordinating board shall establish the time frame within which the student must use the scholarship.

Sec. 61   RCW 28C.04.545 and 1999 c 28 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The respective governing boards of the public technical colleges shall provide fee waivers for a maximum of two years for those recipients of the Washington award for vocational excellence established under RCW 28C.04.520 through 28C.04.540 who received the award before June 30, 1994. To qualify for the waiver, recipients shall enter the public technical college within three years of receiving the award. An above average rating at the technical college in the first year shall be required to qualify for the second-year waiver.
     (2) Students named by the work force training and education coordinating board after June 30, 1994, as recipients of the Washington award for vocational excellence under RCW 28C.04.520 through 28C.04.550 shall be eligible to receive a grant for undergraduate course work as authorized under RCW 28B.80.272 (as recodified by this act).
     (3)(a) Beginning with awards made during the 1998-99 academic year, recipients must complete using the award before the fall term in the sixth year following the date of the award. For these recipients, eligibility for the award is forfeited after this period.
     (b) All persons awarded a Washington award for vocational excellence before the 1995-96 academic year and who have remaining eligibility on April 19, 1999, must complete using the award before September 2002. For these recipients, eligibility for the award is forfeited after this period.
     (c) All persons awarded a Washington award for vocational excellence during the 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98 academic years must complete using the award before September 2005. For these recipients, eligibility for the award is forfeited after this period.

Sec. 62   RCW 43.105.825 and 1999 c 285 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In overseeing the technical aspects of the K-20 network, the information services board is not intended to duplicate the statutory responsibilities of the higher education coordinating board, the superintendent of public instruction, the information services board, the state librarian, or the governing boards of the institutions of higher education.
     (2) The board may not interfere in any curriculum or legally offered programming offered over the network.
     (3) ((The coordination of telecommunications planning for institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 remains the responsibility of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.80.600. The board may recommend, but not require, revisions to the higher education coordinating board's telecommunications plan.
     (4))) The responsibility to review and approve standards and common specifications for the network remains the responsibility of the information services board under RCW 43.105.041.
     (((5))) (4) The coordination of telecommunications planning for the common schools remains the responsibility of the superintendent of public instruction. Except as set forth in RCW 43.105.041(1)(d), the board may recommend, but not require, revisions to the superintendent's telecommunications plans.

Sec. 63   RCW 43.157.010 and 2003 c 54 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For purposes of this chapter and RCW 28A.525.166, 28B.80.330 (as recodified by this act), 28C.18.080, 43.21A.350, 47.06.030, and 90.58.100 and an industrial project of statewide significance is a border crossing project that involves both private and public investments carried out in conjunction with adjacent states or provinces or a private industrial development with private capital investment in manufacturing or research and development. To qualify as an industrial project of statewide significance: (a) The project must be completed after January 1, 1997; (b) the applicant must submit an application for designation as an industrial project of statewide significance to the department of community, trade, and economic development; and (c) the project must have:
     (i) In counties with a population of less than or equal to twenty thousand, a capital investment of twenty million dollars;
     (ii) In counties with a population of greater than twenty thousand but no more than fifty thousand, a capital investment of fifty million dollars;
     (iii) In counties with a population of greater than fifty thousand but no more than one hundred thousand, a capital investment of one hundred million dollars;
     (iv) In counties with a population of greater than one hundred thousand but no more than two hundred thousand, a capital investment of two hundred million dollars;
     (v) In counties with a population of greater than two hundred thousand but no more than four hundred thousand, a capital investment of four hundred million dollars;
     (vi) In counties with a population of greater than four hundred thousand but no more than one million, a capital investment of six hundred million dollars;
     (vii) In counties with a population of greater than one million, a capital investment of one billion dollars;
     (viii) In counties with fewer than one hundred persons per square mile as determined annually by the office of financial management and published by the department of revenue effective for the period July 1st through June 30th, projected full-time employment positions after completion of construction of fifty or greater;
     (ix) In counties with one hundred or more persons per square mile as determined annually by the office of financial management and published by the department of revenue effective for the period July 1st through June 30th, projected full-time employment positions after completion of construction of one hundred or greater; or
     (x) Been designated by the director of community, trade, and economic development as an industrial project of statewide significance either: (A) Because the county in which the project is to be located is a distressed county and the economic circumstances of the county merit the additional assistance such designation will bring; or (B) because the impact on a region due to the size and complexity of the project merits such designation.
     (2) The term manufacturing shall have the meaning assigned it in RCW 82.61.010.
     (3) The term research and development shall have the meaning assigned it in RCW 82.61.010.
     (4) The term applicant means a person applying to the department of community, trade, and economic development for designation of a development project as an industrial project of statewide significance.

Sec. 64   RCW 43.79.465 and 2001 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 917 are each amended to read as follows:
     The education savings account is created in the state treasury. The account shall consist of all moneys appropriated to the account by the legislature.
     (1) Ten percent of legislative appropriations to the education savings account shall be distributed as follows: (a) Fifty percent to the distinguished professorship trust fund under RCW 28B.10.868 (as recodified by this act); (b) seventeen percent to the graduate fellowship trust fund under RCW 28B.10.882 (as recodified by this act); and (c) thirty-three percent to the college faculty awards trust fund under RCW 28B.50.837.
     (2) The remaining moneys in the education savings account may be appropriated solely for (a) common school construction projects that are eligible for funding from the common school construction account, (b) technology improvements in the common schools, and (c) during the 2001-03 fiscal biennium, technology improvements in public higher education institutions.

Sec. 65   RCW 28B.15.760 and 1985 c 370 s 79 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 28B.15.762 and 28B.15.764.
     (1) "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means a college or university in the state of Washington which is a member institution of an accrediting association recognized as such by rule of the higher education coordinating board.
     (2) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board.
     (3) "Eligible student" means a student registered for at least ten credit hours or the equivalent and demonstrates achievement of a 3.00 grade point average for each academic year, who is a resident student as defined by RCW 28B.15.012 through 28B.15.015, who is a "needy student" as defined in RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act), and who has a declared major in a program leading to a degree in teacher education in a field of science or mathematics, or a certificated teacher who meets the same credit hour and "needy student" requirements and is seeking an additional degree in science or mathematics.
     (4) "Public school" means a middle school, junior high school, or high school within the public school system referred to in Article IX of the state Constitution.
     (5) "Forgiven" or "to forgive" means to collect service as a teacher in a field of science or mathematics at a public school in the state of Washington in lieu of monetary payment.
     (6) "Satisfied" means paid-in-full.
     (7) "Borrower" means an eligible student who has received a loan under RCW 28B.15.762.

Sec. 66   RCW 28B.15.820 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 9 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Each institution of higher education, including technical colleges, shall deposit a minimum of three and one-half percent of revenues collected from tuition and services and activities fees in an institutional financial aid fund that is hereby created and which shall be held locally. Moneys in the fund shall be used only for the following purposes: (a) To make guaranteed long-term loans to eligible students as provided in subsections (3) through (8) of this section; (b) to make short-term loans as provided in subsection (9) of this section; or (c) to provide financial aid to needy students as provided in subsection (10) of this section.
     (2) An "eligible student" for the purposes of subsections (3) through (8) and (10) of this section is a student registered for at least six credit hours or the equivalent, who is eligible for resident tuition and fee rates as defined in RCW 28B.15.012 ((through [and])) and 28B.15.013, and who is a "needy student" as defined in RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act).
     (3) The amount of the guaranteed long-term loans made under this section shall not exceed the demonstrated financial need of the student. Each institution shall establish loan terms and conditions which shall be consistent with the terms of the guaranteed loan program established by 20 U.S. Code Section 1071 et seq., as now or hereafter amended. All loans made shall be guaranteed by the Washington student loan guaranty association or its successor agency. Institutions are hereby granted full authority to operate as an eligible lender under the guaranteed loan program.
     (4) Before approving a guaranteed long-term loan, each institution shall analyze the ability of the student to repay the loan based on factors which include, but are not limited to, the student's accumulated total education loan burdens and the employment opportunities and average starting salary characteristics of the student's chosen fields of study. The institution shall counsel the student on the advisability of acquiring additional debt, and on the availability of other forms of financial aid.
     (5) Each institution is responsible for collection of guaranteed long-term loans made under this section and shall exercise due diligence in such collection, maintaining all necessary records to insure that maximum repayments are made. Institutions shall cooperate with other lenders and the Washington student loan guaranty association, or its successor agency, in the coordinated collection of guaranteed loans, and shall assure that the guarantability of the loans is not violated. Collection and servicing of guaranteed long-term loans under this section shall be performed by entities approved for such servicing by the Washington student loan guaranty association or its successor agency: PROVIDED, That institutions be permitted to perform such servicing if specifically recognized to do so by the Washington student loan guaranty association or its successor agency. Collection and servicing of guaranteed long-term loans made by community colleges under subsection (1) of this section shall be coordinated by the state board for community and technical colleges and shall be conducted under procedures adopted by the state board.
     (6) Receipts from payment of interest or principal or any other subsidies to which institutions as lenders are entitled, that are paid by or on behalf of borrowers of funds under subsections (3) through (8) of this section, shall be deposited in each institution's financial aid fund and shall be used to cover the costs of making the guaranteed long-term loans under this section and maintaining necessary records and making collections under subsection (5) of this section: PROVIDED, That such costs shall not exceed five percent of aggregate outstanding loan principal. Institutions shall maintain accurate records of such costs, and all receipts beyond those necessary to pay such costs, shall be deposited in the institution's financial aid fund.
     (7) The governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, and The Evergreen State College, and the state board for community and technical colleges, on behalf of the community colleges and technical colleges, shall each adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement this section.
     (8) First priority for any guaranteed long-term loans made under this section shall be directed toward students who would not normally have access to educational loans from private financial institutions in Washington state, and maximum use shall be made of secondary markets in the support of loan consolidation.
     (9) Short-term loans, not to exceed one year, may be made from the institutional financial aid fund to students enrolled in the institution. No such loan shall be made to any student who is known by the institution to be in default or delinquent in the payment of any outstanding student loan. A short-term loan may be made only if the institution has ample evidence that the student has the capability of repaying the loan within the time frame specified by the institution for repayment.
     (10) Any moneys deposited in the institutional financial aid fund that are not used in making long-term or short-term loans may be used by the institution for locally-administered financial aid programs for needy students, such as need-based institutional employment programs or need-based tuition and fee scholarship or grant programs. These funds shall be used in addition to and not to replace institutional funds that would otherwise support these locally-administered financial aid programs. First priority in the use of these funds shall be given to needy students who have accumulated excessive educational loan burdens. An excessive educational loan burden is a burden that will be difficult to repay given employment opportunities and average starting salaries in the student's chosen fields of study. Second priority in the use of these funds shall be given to needy single parents, to assist these students with their educational expenses, including expenses associated with child care and transportation.

Sec. 67   RCW 28B.101.020 and 2003 c 233 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For the purposes of this chapter, "placebound" means unable to complete a college program because of family or employment commitments, health concerns, monetary inability, or other similar factors.
     (2) To be eligible for an educational opportunity grant, applicants must be placebound residents of the state of Washington as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2) (a) through (d), who: (a) Are needy students as defined in RCW 28B.10.802(3) (as recodified by this act); and (b) have completed the associate of arts or associate of science degree or the equivalent. A placebound resident is one who may be influenced by the receipt of an enhanced student financial aid award to complete a baccalaureate degree at an eligible institution. An eligible placebound applicant is further defined as a person who would be unable to complete a baccalaureate course of study but for receipt of an educational opportunity grant.

Sec. 68   RCW 28B.102.040 and 1987 c 437 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The higher education coordinating board shall establish a planning committee to develop criteria for the screening and selection of recipients of the conditional scholarships. These criteria shall emphasize factors demonstrating excellence including but not limited to superior scholastic achievement, leadership ability, community contributions, and an ability to act as a role model for targeted ethnic minority students. These criteria also may include, for approximately half of the recipients, requirements that those recipients meet the definition of "needy student" under RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 69   RCW 28B.108.010 and 1991 c 228 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means a college or university in the state of Washington which is accredited by an accrediting association recognized as such by rule of the higher education coordinating board.
     (2) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board.
     (3) "Eligible student" or "student" means an American Indian who is a financially needy student, as defined in RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act), who is a resident student, as defined by RCW 28B.15.012(2), who is a full-time student at an institution of higher education, and who promises to use his or her education to benefit other American Indians.

Sec. 70   RCW 28B.115.050 and 1991 c 332 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     The board shall establish a planning committee to assist it in developing criteria for the selection of participants. The board shall include on the planning committee representatives of the department, the department of social and health services, appropriate representatives from health care facilities, provider groups, consumers, the state board ((of community college education)) for community and technical colleges, the superintendent of public instruction, and other appropriate public and private agencies and organizations. The criteria may require that some of the participants meet the definition of "needy student" under RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act).

Sec. 71   RCW 28B.119.030 and 2002 c 204 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     The Washington promise scholarship program shall not be funded at the expense of the state need grant program as defined in ((RCW 28B.10.800 through 28B.10.824)) chapter 28B.-- RCW (as created in section 78 of this act). In administering the state need grant and promise scholarship programs, the higher education coordinating board shall first ensure that eligibility for state need grant recipients is at least fifty-five percent of state median family income.

Sec. 72   RCW 28B.133.010 and 2003 c 19 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The educational assistance grant program for students with dependents is hereby created, subject to the availability of receipts of gifts, grants, or endowments from private sources. The program is created to serve financially needy students with dependents eighteen years of age or younger, by assisting them directly through a grant program to pursue a degree or certificate at public or private institutions of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act), that participate in the state need grant program.

Sec. 73   RCW 28B.133.020 and 2003 c 19 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     To be eligible for the educational assistance grant program for students with dependents, applicants shall: (1) Be residents of the state of Washington; (2) be needy students as defined in RCW 28B.10.802(3) (as recodified by this act); (3) be eligible to participate in the state need grant program as set forth under RCW 28B.10.810 (as recodified by this act); and (4) have dependents eighteen years of age or younger who are under their care.

Sec. 74   RCW 28B.133.050 and 2003 c 19 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The educational assistance grant program for students with dependents grants may be used by eligible participants to attend any public or private college or university in the state of Washington as defined in RCW 28B.10.802 (as recodified by this act). Each participating student may receive an amount to be determined by the higher education coordinating board, with a minimum amount of one thousand dollars per academic year, not to exceed the student's documented financial need for the course of study as determined by the institution.
     Educational assistance grants for students with dependents are not intended to supplant any grant scholarship or tax program related to postsecondary education. If the higher education coordinating board finds that the educational assistance grants for students with dependents supplant or reduce any grant, scholarship, or tax program for categories of students, then the higher education coordinating board shall adjust the financial eligibility criteria or the amount of the grant to the level necessary to avoid supplanting.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 75   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 28B.10.210 (Blind students, assistance to -- "Blind student" defined) and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.210;
     (2) RCW 28B.10.215 (Blind students, assistance to -- Allocation of funds) and 1985 c 370 s 51, 1982 1st ex.s. c 37 s 6, 1974 ex.s. c 68 s 1, & 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.215;
     (3) RCW 28B.10.220 (Blind students, assistance to -- Administration of funds) and 1985 c 370 s 52, 1982 1st ex.s. c 37 s 7, 1974 ex.s. c 68 s 2, & 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.10.220;
     (4) RCW 28B.10.824 (State student financial aid program--Commission, executive director, employees -- Appointment -- Salaries) and 1973 c 62 s 5 & 1969 ex.s. c 222 s 20;
     (5) RCW 28B.10.874 (Distinguished professorship trust fund program -- Transfer of administration -- Recommendations to governor and legislature) and 1987 c 8 s 9;
     (6) RCW 28B.10.887 (Graduate fellowship trust fund program--Transfer of administration) and 1998 c 245 s 14 & 1987 c 147 s 8;
     (7) RCW 28B.80.255 (Washington award for excellence -- Use of academic grant) and 1992 c 83 s 3, 1992 c 50 s 2, & 1991 c 255 s 6;
     (8) RCW 28B.80.265 (Washington award for excellence -- Rules) and 1992 c 83 s 4 & 1991 c 255 s 7;
     (9) RCW 28B.80.290 (Statewide transfer of credit policy and agreement -- Requirements) and 1983 c 304 s 2;
     (10) RCW 28B.80.320 (Purpose) and 1985 c 370 s 3;
     (11) RCW 28B.80.340 (Program responsibilities) and 2003 c 130 s 4 & 1985 c 370 s 5;
     (12) RCW 28B.80.440 (Interstate discussions and agreements about standards and programs for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates) and 1987 c 40 s 1;
     (13) RCW 28B.80.442 (Interstate discussions -- Support and services of western interstate commission on higher education) and 1987 c 40 s 2;
     (14) RCW 28B.80.450 (Placebound students -- Study of needs) and 1990 c 288 s 1;
     (15) RCW 28B.80.500 (Branch campuses -- Adjustment of enrollment lids) and 1989 1st ex.s. c 7 s 2;
     (16) RCW 28B.80.520 (Branch campuses -- Facilities acquisition) and 1989 1st ex.s. c 7 s 9;
     (17) RCW 28B.80.600 (Coordination of telecommunications planning) and 1996 c 137 s 9 & 1990 c 208 s 9;
     (18) RCW 28B.80.610 (Higher education institutional responsibilities) and 2003 c 130 s 5 & 1993 c 363 s 2;
     (19) RCW 28B.80.612 (Identification of methods to reduce administrative barriers) and 1998 c 245 s 25 & 1993 c 363 s 3;
     (20) RCW 28B.80.614 (Study of higher education system operations) and 1993 c 363 s 4;
     (21) RCW 28B.80.616 (Reports to legislature and citizens on postsecondary educational system -- Reports to board from state board for community and technical colleges and state institutions of higher education -- Cooperation with independent colleges and universities) and 1993 c 363 s 5;
     (22) RCW 28B.80.910 (Severability -- 1969 ex.s. c 277) and 1969 ex.s. c 277 s 15;
     (23) RCW 28B.80.911 (Severability -- 1985 c 370) and 1985 c 370 s 107; and
     (24) RCW 28B.80.912 (Effective dates -- 1985 c 370) and 1985 c 370 s 108.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 76   Sections 1, 9, 11, and 12 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 77   (1) The following sections are codified or recodified in the order shown in Part I, General Provisions, of the chapter created in section 76 of this act:
     (a) RCW 28B.80.300;
     (b) RCW 28B.80.310;
     (c) Section 1 of this act;
     (d) RCW 28B.80.390;
     (e) RCW 28B.80.400;
     (f) RCW 28B.80.410;
     (g) RCW 28B.80.420;
     (h) RCW 28B.80.110;
     (i) RCW 28B.80.430;
     (j) RCW 28B.80.380;
     (k) RCW 28B.80.200; and
     (l) RCW 28B.80.370.
     (2) The following sections are codified or recodified in the order shown in Part II, Policy and Planning, of the chapter created in section 76 of this act:
     (a) RCW 28B.80.345;
     (b) RCW 28B.80.330;
     (c) RCW 28B.80.335;
     (d) Section 9 of this act;
     (e) RCW 28B.80.280;
     (f) Section 11 of this act;
     (g) Section 12 of this act;
     (h) RCW 28B.80.350;
     (i) RCW 28B.10.044;
     (j) RCW 28B.15.070;
     (k) RCW 28B.15.076; and
     (l) RCW 28B.80.175.
     (3) The following sections are recodified in the order shown in Part III, Education Services Administration, of the chapter created in section 76 of this act:
     (a) RCW 28B.80.240;
     (b) RCW 28B.80.210;
     (c) RCW 28B.80.230;
     (d) RCW 28B.80.180;
     (e) RCW 28B.80.360;
     (f) RCW 28B.10.859;
     (g) RCW 28B.10.866;
     (h) RCW 28B.10.867;
     (i) RCW 28B.10.868;
     (j) RCW 28B.10.869;
     (k) RCW 28B.10.870;
     (l) RCW 28B.10.871;
     (m) RCW 28B.10.872;
     (n) RCW 28B.10.873;
     (o) RCW 28B.10.880;
     (p) RCW 28B.10.881;
     (q) RCW 28B.10.882;
     (r) RCW 28B.10.883;
     (s) RCW 28B.10.884;
     (t) RCW 28B.10.885;
     (u) RCW 28B.10.886;
     (v) RCW 28B.80.150;
     (w) RCW 28B.80.160;
     (x) RCW 28B.80.170;
     (y) RCW 28B.80.245;
     (z) RCW 28B.80.246;
     (aa) RCW 28B.80.272;
     (bb) RCW 28B.80.805;
     (cc) RCW 28B.80.806;
     (dd) RCW 28B.80.807;
     (ee) RCW 28B.80.620;
     (ff) RCW 28B.80.622;
     (gg) RCW 28B.80.624;
     (hh) RCW 28B.80.626; and
     (ii) RCW 28B.80.810.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 78   The following sections are recodified in a new chapter in Title 28B RCW:
     (1) RCW 28B.10.800;
     (2) RCW 28B.10.801;
     (3) RCW 28B.10.802;
     (4) RCW 28B.10.804;
     (5) RCW 28B.10.806;
     (6) RCW 28B.10.808;
     (7) RCW 28B.10.8081;
     (8) RCW 28B.10.810;
     (9) RCW 28B.10.812;
     (10) RCW 28B.10.814;
     (11) RCW 28B.10.816;
     (12) RCW 28B.10.818;
     (13) RCW 28B.10.820;
     (14) RCW 28B.10.821; and
     (15) RCW 28B.10.822.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 79   RCW 28B.80.510 is recodified as a new section in chapter 28B.45 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 80   Part headings used in this act are not part of the law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 81   Sections 26 and 27 of this act expire January 30, 2005.