SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5787
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Higher Education, February 21, 2013
Title: An act relating to the Washington higher education facilities authority.
Brief Description: Adding the chair of the student achievement council to the Washington higher education facilities authority.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Kohl-Welles and Cleveland.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/19/13, 2/21/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Bailey, Chair; Becker, Vice Chair; Kohl-Welles, Ranking Member; Baumgartner, Frockt, McAuliffe and Tom.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: The Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority (Authority) is a state agency that aims to support the financing needs of Washington's non-profit, independent colleges and universities through tax-exempt bonds. These colleges and universities include Bastyr University, Cornish College of the Arts, Gonzaga University, Heritage University, Northwest Indian College, Pacific Lutheran University, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Saint Martin's University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, Walla Walla University, Whitman College, and Whitworth University.
The Authority consists of six members, including the following:
The Governor,
The Lieutenant Governor, and
Four public members, one of whom must be the president of a higher education institution.
The public members of the Authority must serve for terms of four years, be appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate. The Governor must serve as chairperson of the Authority.
Four members of the Authority constitute a quorum. Members participating in a meeting through the use of any means of communication by which all members participating can hear each other during the meeting must be deemed to be present in person at the meeting for all purposes.
Summary of Bill: The Authority must consist of an additional member, bringing the total of the agency up to seven members. The seventh member must be the chair of the Washington Student Achievement Council or the chair's designee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The authority mostly helps fund tax-exempt bonds. The authority helped with the new law school at Seattle University and rehabilitating part of Saint Martin's University. We need four board members for a quorum. Seven members makes it easier to get a quorum and run meetings. When there was reorganization we lost a member.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Kim Herman, WA Higher Education Facilities Authority.