HB 2295

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2295

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Assessing the higher education needs of the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.

Sponsors: Representatives Seaquist, Rolfes, Lantz, Appleton, Haigh, Eickmeyer, Kessler and VanDeWege.

Brief Summary of Bill

Provides for a study of the higher education needs of the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.

Hearing Date: 2/27/07

Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).

Background:

The Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas are presently served by three public colleges: Olympic College, Peninsula College, and Grays Harbor College. The closest public four-year institutions are the University of Washington Tacoma and The Evergreen State College in Olympia.

Summary of Bill:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) assesses the higher education needs in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties and recommends solutions to the higher education needs of the area. Solutions that the HECB considers include: establishment of new baccalaureate institutions; expansion of existing institutions to include baccalaureate degrees; and colocation of institutions. The HECB may contract for an assessment of sites to meet higher education needs in the counties.

In conducting the assessment and siting study, the HECB consults with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the local business community, and the existing research and comprehensive institutions. The board assembles a local advisory committee to assist in the conduct of the assessment and siting study. The committee includes:

one city official from each city within the four counties;
two members of the House of Representatives;
two members of the Senate; and
eight education or business leaders from within each of the four counties.

The recommendations to the Legislature must include:

the type of baccalaureate institution or institutions to be established;
a business and operations plan for the institution if a new institution is recommended;
potential sites for establishment of an institution;
identification of site acquisition costs; and
identification of costs and a process for completing a master plan for higher education expansion.

The board presents an interim report to the Legislature and the Governor by January 15, 2008, and a final report by December 1, 2008.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 27, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.