SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5924

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.

Background: The Running Start Program is available to 11th and 12th grade students who have not yet received a diploma. Participating institutions include all community and technical colleges, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, Northwest Indian College, and Washington State University. Running Start students must currently pay all mandatory fees established by community and technical colleges. Students may also be required to pay the technology fee as required by other institutions of higher education. Fees are prorated based on credit load. Institutions of higher education must make available fee waivers for low-income students.

Summary of Bill: Running Start students must be charged 10 percent of the cost of tuition by institutions of higher education, prorated based on credit load. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will establish the tuition rate for Running Start students. The governing boards on the public four-years must establish the tuition rate for Running Start students. Institutions of higher education must make fee waivers to low-income students available, determined by participation in the free or reduced lunch program. Use of tuition and fee waivers for qualified low-income students is not included in determining total state tuition waiver authority for institutions of higher education.

Fiscal Note: Requested on April 7, 2011.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: Would like to have language included that clarifies that the amount charged to these students is a fee, not tuition, in order to prevent them from qualifying for the State Need Grant. Would also like these students to continue to pay technology fees and other mandatory fees that they pay currently and to clarify that the amount charged to them is the operating and building fee, not the services and activities fees, which vary from school to school. With regard to eligibility for a waiver, qualifying for free and reduced priced lunch is just one way to provide eligibility. The schools have broad ability to waive for those who need it.