FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5304

C 304 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Requiring forecasting of caseloads of the Washington college bound scholarship program.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Brown, Rockefeller, Tom, Murray, McAuliffe and Shin.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: 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 with 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 is responsible for developing forecasts for the changing caseloads in state entitlement programs. The caseload forecast is formally adopted by a council 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 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: The Caseload Forecast Council is required to forecast the anticipated number of students eligible for the College Bound Scholarship Program who are also expected to attend an institution of higher education. The Caseload Forecast Council is required to submit this forecast to the Governor and the members of the legislative fiscal committees to facilitate budget development.

Votes on Final Passage: