Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

College & Workforce Development Committee

HB 2185

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: Assisting spouses and dependents of active duty military by ensuring affordable access to higher education.

Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Van Werven, Bergquist, Eslick, Chambers, Dufault, Blake, Paul and Kirby.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies the definition of in-state resident for tuition purposes to include spouses and dependents of active duty military who are accepted to a higher education institution before the military member is reassigned out-of-state, as long as the spouse or dependent enrolls in the institution.

  • Restructures the residency statute for students who are active duty military and National Guard members and their spouses and dependents.

Hearing Date: 1/15/20

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

Public higher education institutions use state residency to determine whether a student will be required to pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Residency typically requires that a financially independent student establish a Washington domicile for one-year before the first day of registration for a purpose other than educational. However, residency is also granted to other categories of students, including active duty military or National Guard members and their spouses and dependents who meet certain requirements. This includes students who are spouses or dependents of active duty military or National Guard members if the military or National Guard member is stationed in Washington. If the military or National Guard member is reassigned out-of-state, the spouse or dependent still qualifies for in-state residency if he or she is already enrolled and remains continuously enrolled in a degree program.

Summary of Bill:

Students who are spouses or dependents of active duty military or the National Guard qualify for in-state resident tuition if the student is accepted to a higher education institution before the military or National Guard member is reassigned out-of-state, as long as the student enrolls in that institution. The residency statute for students who are active duty military, National Guard, or the spouses or dependents of active duty military or National Guard is restructured.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2020.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.