BILL REQ. #:  S-0345.2 

Read first time 02/04/11.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development.

     AN ACT Relating to the aerospace training student loan program; and adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Aerospace training or educational program" means a course in the aerospace industry as offered by the Washington aerospace training and research center, Spokane aerospace technology center.
     (2) "Aerospace worker" means a worker whose employment qualifications require training as offered at the Washington aerospace training and research center.
     (3) "Board" means the higher education coordinating board.
     (4) "Eligible student" means a student who is registered for an aerospace training or educational program, is making satisfactory progress as defined by the program, and has a declared intention to work in the aerospace industry in the state of Washington.
     (5) "Participant" means an eligible student who has received an aerospace training student loan.
     (6) "Student loan" means a loan that is approved by the board and awarded to an eligible student.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The aerospace training student loan program is established. The program shall be administered by the board. In administering the program, the board has the following powers and duties:
     (1) To screen and select, in coordination with the Aerospace Futures Alliance, eligible students to receive an aerospace training student loan;
     (2) To adopt necessary rules;
     (3) To collect and manage repayments from students who do not meet their obligations under this chapter; and
     (4) To solicit and accept grants and donations from public and private sources for the program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   To remain an eligible student and receive continuing disbursements under the program, a participant must be considered by the aerospace training or educational program to be making satisfactory progress.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The board may award aerospace training student loans to eligible students from the funds appropriated to the board for this purpose, or any other funds given to the board for this program. The amount of the student loan awarded an individual may not exceed one year of tuition and fees for the program of study.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   (1) A participant incurs an obligation to repay the student loan, with interest, within thirty-six months after completing the program.
     (2) The interest rate shall be determined annually by the board.
     (3) The minimum payment shall be set by the board. Payments of principal and interest shall accrue quarterly commencing six months from the date the participant completes or discontinues the course of study. Provisions for deferral of payment shall be determined by the board.
     (4) The board is responsible for collection of repayments made under this section and must exercise due diligence in such collection, maintaining all necessary records to ensure that maximum repayments are made. Collection and servicing of repayments under this section must be pursued using the full extent of the law, including wage garnishment if necessary.
     (5) Receipts from the payment of principal or interest or any other subsidies to which the board as administrator is entitled, that are paid by or on behalf of participants under this section, must be deposited in the aerospace training student loan account and must be used to cover the costs of granting the student loans, maintaining necessary records, and making collections under subsection (4) of this section. The board must maintain accurate records of these costs, and all receipts beyond those necessary to pay such costs must be used to grant student loans to eligible students.
     (6) The board shall adopt rules to define the terms of repayment, including applicable interest rates, fees, and deferments.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   (1) The aerospace training student loan account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. No appropriation is required for expenditures of funds from the account. The account is not subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW except for moneys used for program administration.
     (2) The board shall deposit into the account all moneys received for the program. The account shall be self-sustaining and consist of funds appropriated by the legislature for the aerospace training student loan program, and receipts from participant repayments.
     (3) Expenditures from the account may be used solely for student loans to participants in the program established by this chapter and costs associated with program administration by the board.
     (4) Disbursements from the account may be made only on the authorization of the board.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   Sections 1 through 6 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.