SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5729

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 of February 25, 2019

Title: An act relating to enrollment priority in dual credit courses.

Brief Description: Concerning enrollment priority in dual credit courses.

Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Becker, Bailey, Wagoner and Warnick.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/15/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits schools from giving enrollment priority for dual credit programs based on student distance from a higher education institution or state funding priorities.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: College in the High School Programs. College in the High School (CHS) programs provide college level courses in high schools or high school environments to qualified students who are in or are eligible for enrollment in grades 10, 11, and 12. Students who participate in a CHS program are able to earn both high school and postsecondary credit by completing postsecondary level courses with a passing grade. Programs are established in individual agreements between the schools and colleges or universities.

State funding for CHS programs does not include funding for students who are in or eligible for enrollment in grade 10. For students in grades 11 or 12, funding is prioritized:

first, for students whose residence, or the high school in which they are enrolled, is located 20 driving miles or more as measured by the most direct route from the nearest eligible institution of higher education offering a Running Start program, whichever is greater; and
second, for high schools eligible for the small school funding enhancement in the omnibus appropriations act.

Subsidies may also be provided for students who meet financial aid requirements. The maximum annual number of subsidized credits that a student may receive through these provisions is limited by statute to five, but the Omnibus Appropriations Act may establish a lower limit.

Running Start. Running Start allows eleventh- and twelfth-grade high school students to take courses at community colleges, technical colleges, and various four-year institutions of higher education. Upon completion of a course, students earn both high school and college credit. Institutions are reimbursed by local schools districts for costs for Running Start students. Current law requires districts reimburse the institutions at a per student rate allotted for basic education funding, with the districts retaining 7 percent of these funds. Vocational students are funded at an additional rate.

Summary of Bill: Schools may not give enrollment priority in CHS, Running Start, or other dual credit programs based on student distance from a higher education institution or based on state funding priorities for CHS.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2019.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The current way in which some districts determine what dual credit program students are allowed to enroll in is arbitrary. Students should be allowed to enroll in the dual credit program that makes the most sense for them individually.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Ann Rivers, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.