HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1702

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Van Werven, Leavitt, Kraft, Entenman, Rude, Sutherland, Dye, Gildon, Slatter, Chambers, Graham, Caldier, Eslick, Mosbrucker, Young, Jinkins, Bergquist, Doglio and Pollet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

College & Workforce Development: 2/5/19, 2/8/19 [DP];

Appropriations: 2/25/19, 2/26/19 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/4/19, 96-0.

Passed House: 1/22/20, 96-0.

Passed Senate: 3/5/20, 49-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires community and technical colleges to designate during registration whether course materials are "low-cost."

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Leavitt, Vice Chair; Van Werven, Ranking Minority Member; Gildon, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Graham, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Kraft, Paul, Pollet, Ramos, Rude, Sells, Slatter, Sutherland and Young.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 33 members: Representatives Ormsby, Chair; Robinson, 1st Vice Chair; Bergquist, 2nd Vice Chair; Stokesbary, Ranking Minority Member; MacEwen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Rude, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Chandler, Cody, Dolan, Dye, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Hoff, Hudgins, Jinkins, Kraft, Macri, Mosbrucker, Pettigrew, Pollet, Ryu, Schmick, Senn, Springer, Stanford, Steele, Sullivan, Sutherland, Tarleton, Tharinger, Volz and Ybarra.

Background:

ctcLink Requirements.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has begun implementing a single, centralized software system for each of the 34 community and technical colleges in which students, faculty, and staff will have access to a variety of tools online. The ctcLink system has been implemented at Tacoma Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, and Spokane Community College thus far.

After a community or technical college has implemented the ctcLink system, the college must provide to students during registration both the cost of any required textbook or other course material and whether the course uses Open Educational Resources. This information may be provided either by displaying it in the online course description or by providing a link that connects to the bookstore's website.

Summary of Bill:

Community and technical colleges must also indicate to students during registration whether a course uses low-cost required instructional materials. This information may be provided either in the course description or a link to the bookstore's website. A course uses low-cost instructional materials if the entire cost of the required materials equals $50 or less.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (College & Workforce Development):

(In support) A majority of students in community and technical colleges receive need-based financial aid. Textbook costs represent a significant portion of the cost of education to students each year and often buy-back programs offer low returns on the purchase price. Indicating whether a course is low cost addresses the consistent and unanimous concerns of community and technical college students. The ability to choose courses based on the affordability of required course materials will increase readiness and success in class.

(Opposed) None.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Appropriations):

(In support) The fiscal note has been refined. The anticipated workloads are expected to be minimal and can be accomplished within existing resources.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying (College & Workforce Development): Representative Van Werven, prime sponsor; Boyoung Chae, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Christopher Soran; Mason Green; Kristina Pogosian; and Mustapha Samateh.