SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5687
As of February 13, 2023
Title: An act relating to creating postsecondary wrestling grant programs.
Brief Description: Creating postsecondary wrestling grant programs.
Sponsors: Senator Van De Wege.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/15/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates a grant program to fund intercollegiate wrestling program start ups, equipment, and student scholarships to be awarded by the Washington Student Achievement Council.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Megan Tudor (786-7478)
Background:

Washington Student Achievement Council. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) was created in 2012, to provide focus and propose goals for increasing educational attainment, including improving student transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and training, and between and among postsecondary institutions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance was established within WSAC. This office directs the Washington College Grant and other scholarships, including, but not limited to those programs that provide incentives for improvements related to increased access and success in postsecondary education.
 
Cascade Collegiate Conference. In 1978, the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) was established comprised of colleges and universities in Idaho and Oregon. The CCC expanded its membership to also include colleges and universities in Arizona, California, Montana and British Columbia. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body of small athletics programs at the national level, dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics since 1937. Each year more than 77,000 NAIA student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in college sports, earn scholarships, and compete for the chance to participate in 28 national championships. Washington currently does not have any colleges or universities participating in the CCC due to the lack of non-club wrestling programs within the state.
Summary of Bill:

Subject to appropriations, a grant program to support start-up of intercollegiate wrestling programs at the public two and four-year institutions of higher education is created. The grant program is administered by WSAC. Approved uses of funds include start up, equipment, and student scholarships.
 
This legislation shall be known as the Charles Cate II Act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.