Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2037
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: Reauthorizing the work group concerned with removing obstacles for higher education students with disabilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Frame, Haler, Ryu, Pollet, Stambaugh, Kagi, Kilduff, Tarleton, Fitzgibbon, Jinkins, Bergquist and McDonald.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/17
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities must be provided as appropriate for all aspects of college and university life, including recruitment, applications, enrollment, registration, financial aid, coursework, research, academic counseling, housing programs, and nonacademic services.
Last session, the Legislature passed SSB 6466, which required the Council of Presidents (COP) to convene a workgroup to develop a plan for removing obstacles for students with disabilities. The work group included:
representatives from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, four-year institutions, Washington Student Achievement Council, and statewide student associations; and
at least two students with disabilities selected by student associations.
The workgroup met six times during the interim, conducted a student survey, and among other things, developed best practices that focus on different stages of the transfer process. The COP created a report to the Legislature in December of 2016.
The legislation creating the workgroup is set to expire on August 1, 2017.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date of the workgroup is extended to August 1, 2018. The workgroup must continue developing a plan that focuses on removing obstacles for students with disabilities and must also focus on improving overall access for students with disabilities, including addressing conditions under which accommodations are not provided, such as in supplemental electronic course materials.
The COP must provide the plan to the Higher Education Committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2017.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/10/17.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.