Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

SSB 5101


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: Expanding higher education tuition waivers to include certain certificated instructional staff.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hobbs, McAuliffe, Fairley, Weinstein, Marr, Shin, Oemig, Fraser, Kline, Regala, Rasmussen, Tom, Kohl-Welles and Haugen).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Expands eligibility for state employee college tuition waivers to include public school teachers and certificated instructional staff who hold, or are seeking, an endorsement and assignment in a state-identified shortage area.

Hearing Date: 3/21/07

Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).

Background:

Washington State institutions of higher education may waive all or a portion of tuition, services, and activity fees for state employees. "State employees" are defined as permanent classified state employees; state, county, or municipal employees governed by the chapter on collective bargaining; permanent classified and exempt paraprofessional employees at technical colleges; and faculty, counselors, librarians, and exempt professional and administrative employees at institutions of higher education.

The employees are enrolled on a space available basis and are charged a registration fee of at least $5. Their enrollment information is not included in official enrollment reports.

Summary of Bill:

Teachers and certificated instructional staff at public common schools and vocational schools are included within the definition of "state employees" for purposes of college tuition waivers for state employees. In order to be eligible for a tuition waiver, the teacher or staff must hold, or be seeking, a valid endorsement and assignment in a state-identified shortage area.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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