Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changes to state residency rules in response to legislation enacted in the 2003 session (HB 1079 and SB 5134) and minor inconsistencies between RCW and WAC.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.15.015.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 1079 and SB 5134 change the state law related to classification of college students as residents or nonresidents for the purposes of paying tuition. WAC rules must be amended to reflect the new statutory provisions. Several other provisions of the WACs are inconsistent with state law and should be changed to ensure consistency.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington's public two-year and four-year colleges and universities administer residency rules in order to determine the appropriate tuition charges to students. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal counsel to institutions in these decisions. The HECB rules will be developed in consultation with these agencies.

     Process for Developing New Rule:      Agency study.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Belma Villa, Higher Education Coordinating Board, 917 Lakeridge Way, Olympia, WA 98504-3430, (360) 753-7810, belmav@hecb.wa.gov.

June 17, 2003

Belma Villa

Rules Coordinator

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office