Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
SB 5304
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: Requiring forecasting of caseloads of the state need grant program and the Washington college bound scholarship program.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Brown, Rockefeller, Tom, Murray, McAuliffe and Shin.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/9/11
Staff: Trista Zugel (786-7157).
Background:
State Need Grant Program.
The State Need Grant provides financial assistance for up to five years to low-income undergraduate students attending public two- and four-year colleges and universities and certain accredited independent colleges, universities, and career schools in Washington. To be eligible, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have a family income of less than 70 percent of the state median, be Washington residents enrolled at eligible institutions, and meet other qualifications.
College Bound Scholarship Program.
The College Bound Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for up to five years to low-income students attending public two- and four-year colleges and universities and certain accredited independent colleges, universities, and career schools in Washington. To be eligible, students must qualify for free or reduced price lunches and sign a pledge during seventh or eighth grade that includes a commitment to graduate from high school with at least a C average and have no felony convictions. If, at graduation from high school, the student's family income does not exceed 65 percent of the state median family income, the student will receive a scholarship for the amount of tuition and required fees not covered by other forms of assistance, such as the State Need Grant, plus $500 for books and materials.
Caseload Forecast Council.
The Caseload Forecast Council (Council) is responsible for developing forecasts for the changing caseloads in state entitlement programs. The Council consists of six individuals, two appointed by the Governor and four appointed by the two largest political caucuses in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Caseload forecasts formally adopted by the Council, along with any unofficial forecasts, are submitted to the Governor and the members of the legislative fiscal committees to facilitate budget development.
Summary of Bill:
The Caseload Forecast Council (Council) is required to provide forecasts for the State Need Grant and the College Bound Scholarship Program. In the case of the State Need Grant, the Council will forecast the number of State Need Grant-eligible students. In the case of the College Bound Scholarship Program, the Council will forecast the number of potential scholarship recipients expected to attend an institution of higher education. The Council shall submit these forecasts to the Governor and the members of the legislative fiscal committees to facilitate budget development.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.