BILL REQ. #:  H-2270.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/04/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to a statewide student association; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that students at Washington's public four-year institutions of higher education should have the opportunity to participate in debates, discussion, and the policymaking process regarding higher education through their designated student representatives.
     (2) The legislature further finds that, as a statewide student association, the Washington student lobby has had notable successes, but faces financial challenges that threaten its sustainability and stability.
     (3) Therefore, the legislature intends to explore alternative models of providing for active and regular participation in state policymaking by students at four-year institutions of higher education.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The higher education coordinating board shall conduct a study of statewide student associations representing students at public four-year institutions of higher education. The study shall include but not be limited to: Role and mission, funding mechanisms, activities and budget, oversight and accountability, and governance. In conducting the study, the board shall work with representatives from the Washington student lobby, campus student government associations, and the four-year institutions of higher education. The board shall submit a report with alternative models for how Washington students could be represented to the higher education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2005.