Read first time 01/23/2006.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the national guard conditional scholarship; and amending RCW 28B.103.010 and 28B.103.020.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28B.103.010 and 2000 c 159 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this section and RCW 28B.103.020 and 28B.103.030.
     (1) "Eligible student" means an enlisted member or an officer of the rank of captain or below in the Washington national guard who attends an institution of higher education that is located in this state and accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or beginning September 1, 2006, an institution that is located in this state that provides approved training under the Montgomery GI Bill, and who meets any additional selection criteria adopted by the office.
     (2) "Conditional scholarship" means a loan that is forgiven in whole or in part if the recipient renders service as a member of the Washington national guard under rules adopted by the office.
     (3) "Forgiven" or "to forgive" or "forgiveness" means either to render service in the Washington national guard in lieu of monetary repayment, or to be relieved of the service obligation under rules adopted by the office.
     (4) "Office" means the office of the adjutant general of the state military department.
     (5) "Participant" means an eligible student who has received a conditional scholarship under this chapter.
     (6) "Service obligation" means serving in the Washington national guard for one additional year for each year of conditional scholarship received under this program.

Sec. 2   RCW 28B.103.020 and 1994 c 234 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     The Washington state national guard conditional scholarship program is established. The program shall be administered by the office. In administering the program, the powers and duties of the office shall include, but need not be limited to:
     (1) The selection of eligible students to receive conditional scholarships;
     (2) The award of conditional scholarships funded by federal and state funds, private donations, or repayments from any participant who does not complete the participant's service obligation. Use of state funds is subject to available funds. The annual amount of each conditional scholarship may vary, but shall not exceed the annual cost of undergraduate tuition fees and services and activities fees at the University of Washington, plus an allowance for books and supplies;
     (3) The adoption of necessary rules and guidelines, including establishing a priority for eligible students attending an institution of higher education located in this state that is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges;
     (4) The adoption of participant selection criteria. The criteria may include but need not be limited to requirements for: Satisfactory progress, minimum grade point averages, enrollment in courses or programs that lead to a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree or a certificate, and satisfactory participation as a member of the Washington national guard;
     (5) The notification of participants of their additional service obligation or required repayment of the conditional scholarship; and
     (6) The collection of repayments from participants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or service obligations.