Legislative Information

WSU Bill Status

Flag Key - (flags occur after the bill number)      a Amended.   $ Appropriation bill.   f State fiscal note on file.   d Department. e Governor.   b Budget committee.   o Other.   # Local fiscal note on file.
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WSU Bill List
February 26, 2007
2007 Regular Session
Cut-off is Feb. 28.

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Bill No* Companion
Bills*
Title Status Status
Date
Original
Sponsor
Recomnd.
Position
0       1/1/2005    
HB 1033   Science & technology H Hi Ed 1/8/2007 Morris  
Graduate Fellowships In order to promote the growth of research in these fields, the legislature intends to help colleges and universities raise additional moneys for graduate fellowships by creating a graduate fellowship trust fund program for the sciences. Eligible institutions of higher education and foundations may apply to the board for twenty-five thousand dollars from the fund when they can match the state funds with an equal amount of cash donations from private sources. These donations must be made specifically to the graduate fellowship trust fund program, and must be donated after July 1, 2007. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 26.
SHB 1036   Renewable energy H Approp 2/23/2007 Morris  
Renewable Energy Targets Establishes renewable energy targets for state agencies. Creates the Clear Sky Program within the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (DCTED). Authorizes the DCTED to make loans to state agencies for sustainable energy projects, such as high-efficiency cogeneration and fuel cells. Establishes the Clean Streams and Clear Sky Subaccount to the Energy Freedom Account.
SHB 1045 SB 5462 Board of natural resources S NR/Ocean/Rec 2/20/2007 Sullivan, B. Concerns
30 Percent DNR Fees Extends for 10 years the ability of the Board of Natural Resources to 30 percent of the proceeds earned from transactions on state lands. Passed the state House of Representatives 86-10 on Feb. 16.
HB 1089 SB 5139 Operating sup budget 2005-07 H Approp 1/10/2007 Sommers Support
Governor's Supplemental Operating Budget Bill The 2005-07 appropriations for various state agencies and programs, including Washington State University, are modified in this budget bill for the current biennium.
HB 1092 5156 Capital budget H Cap Budget 1/10/2007 Fromhold Support
Governor's Capital Construction Budget Bill
HB 1110   Institute of technology H Hi Ed 1/10/2007 Morris Opposed
Branch campus institute Declares an intent to create a center of excellence inthis state, dedicated to technology, to be known as the Washington institute of technology. This institute of technology shall combine three university branch campuses: University of Washington - Bothell; Washington State University -TriCities; and Washington State University - Vancouver, and shall offer areas of study including, but not limited to, engineering, technology,
HB 1128 SB 5140 Operating budget 2007-09 H Approp 1/11/2007 Sommers Support
The Governor's Operating Budget Bill
HB 1131 5155 Passport to college program H Approp 1/26/2007 Dunshee  
Assistance to Foster Youth Provides for outreach and information to youth age 15 years and over in foster care regarding opportunities for higher education, including financial aid that may be available. Provides scholarships covering tuition and living expenses to eligible former foster youth between ages 16 and 26 years to attend higher education for up to five consecutive years. Gives monetary incentives to higher education institutions that enroll and retain eligible former foster youth.
HB 1179   State need grant H Approp 2/7/2007 Hasegawa  
Reduces the minimum number of quarter credits for which a student must be enrolled to receive a State Need Grant from six to three (or the semester equivalent). Allows students enrolled on a less-than-half-time basis to be eligible for a State Need Grant for one year even if the student has not yet matriculated into a program leading to a degree or certificate. Allows institutions to give an eligible student a preliminary State Need Grant before the student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Changes the minimum number of quarter credits required to receive a loan or aid from an institution's institutional financial aid fund from six per term to three (or the semester equivalent).
HB 1222 SB 5411 State need grant H Approp 2/8/2007 Kenney  
State Need Grant Provides a grant award scale for the State Need Grant based on family income. Expands eligibility for the State Need Grant to students with up to 85 percent of the state median family income.
HB 1296   Information technology S Govt Op & El 2/22/2007 Hunter  
Requires fiscal notes to identify the fiscal and operational impact on the state information technology portfolio. Requires the Department of Information Services to develop a six-year strategic plan for information technology projects. Grants the Information Services Board the power to develop statewide requirements for contracts for information technology projects.
SHB 1303 SB 5586 Cleaner energy H Approp 2/12/2007 Dickerson Support/Amendments
Clean Energy Bill The committee striking amendment to the bill currently provides $6.75 million from the clean energy incentive account to Washington State University cooperative extension. WSU would prefer that funding be provided to the entire university to promote research programs in biofuels and bioproducts, rather than just extension programs. A hearing has been held in the Appropriations Committee.
HB 1354   Student loan program H Hi Ed 1/17/2007 Chase  
The Washington low-interest student loan program is created for students attending eligible institutions of higher education who have unmet financial needs after accessing all need-based federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs available to them. This program creates a revolving loan fund from which loans may be made to eligible students as identified under section 2(1) of this act for higher education purposes at a low- interest rate. The program shall be administered by the higher education coordinating board.
HB 1385   Higher education H Hi Ed 1/18/2007 Jarrett Support/Concerns
Jarrett-Priest Bill An intent to articulate a strategic direction for public higher education on issues of access, affordability, service delivery, and accountability that will guide coordinated decision making on policies, operating budgets, and capital plans. It is further the legislature's intent to provide the management tools and resources necessary to implement the strategic direction. Among the recommendations, it Increase the state's overall investment in higher education by $460 million per biennium, including$100 million dollars per biennium invested in high priority research, to ensure that Washington's institutions of higher education continue tooffer affordable access to the highest quality education and conduct world class research and discovery. A public hearing was held in the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 15.
SHB 1398   U of W and WSU H Passed 3rd 2/23/2007 Fromhold Support
UW-WSU Bond Bill Expands the University of Washington's and Washington State University's local borrowing authority by allowing the universities to bond against all nonappropriated funds. The authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University to issue bonds is expanded to any university purpose. Any nonappropriated funds may be obligated for the repayment of such bonds. This debt will not count against the state's constitutional debt limit and will not be backed by the full faith and credit of the state. The universities must report annually to the appropriate committees of the Legislature and the State Treasurer on the use of this bonding authority. Language was removed that required bonds to be rated no lower than the lowest subcategory of the single "A" rating category by at least one nationally recognized credit rating agency. The scope of the annual reporting requirement was expanded to include additional summary level information.WSU testified for the legislation in the House Capital Budget Committee
HB 1399 SB 5622 Collective bargaining H Commerce/Lab 1/18/2007 Conway Neutral/Amendment
Staff Collective Bargaining Extends collective bargaining rights to managers and administrators who were previously exempt. WSU testified in the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Feb. 6. WSU expressed concerns that the bill adds high level managers to the collective bargaining process, something that is not allowed elsewhere in state government. There is a proposed striking amendment to the bill that will address WSU's greatest concerns.
HB 1454 SB 5002 Tuition waivers H Hi Ed 1/19/2007 Haler Concerns
Mandatory Veteran's Waivers Changes college tuition waivers for families of eligible veterans and National Guard members to make waivers mandatory for certain children and spouses of veterans. Tuition waivers for children and spouses do not apply to the waiver limits established for the institutions.
HB 1479   Transfer students H Education 1/22/2007 Appleton  
Provides that, if a student transfers to a Washington public school from another state after the ninth grade because of a parent or guardian receiving an active military duty assignment to Washington, the student is not required to pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement.
SHB 1506 SB 5489 Alternative public works H Cap Budget 2/8/2007 Haigh Support/Amendments
Alternative Public Works The use of alternative public works contracting procedures is extended to 2014. The authorization to use alternative public works procedures expires June 30, 2007. Expands the use of the design-build and general contractor/construction manager contracting (GC/CM) procedures. Establishes a project review committee to approve the use of design-build and GC/CM contracting procedures. Requires data collection for evaluation of alternative contracting procedures.
HB 1531 5784 College materials H Hi Ed 1/22/2007 Warnick PRO
Relating to excise taxation of required college instructional materials. Heard in the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 5
HB 1541   Educational data H Education 1/22/2007 Hunter  
HB 1559   College readiness standards H Hi Ed 1/23/2007 Curtis  
HB 1641 5501 Washington learns H Education 1/24/2007 McDermott Support
Governor's Washington Learns Bill Many of the recommendations from the November 2006 report of the Washington Learns steering committee are implemented. It is organized by early learning, K-12, and higher education provisions. Establishes a Washington Learns Scholarship and a Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Ready for Math and Science Scholarship; requires implementation of the regional opportunity grant program; expands eligibility for the State Need Grant; creates and state tuition policy; and changes the appointment of the director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board. It establishes an Early Learning Advisory Council; directs the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to implement a five-star voluntary rating system for child care centers and early education programs; and outlines the private-public responsibilities between the DEL and Thrive by Five. Phases in voluntary full-day kindergarten; creates demonstration projects for K-12 student learning opportunities; requires review of mathematics and science standards and curricula; creates demonstration projects, regional professional development programs, and alternative routes to teacher certification to support improvement in mathematics and science education; creates an academy for school leadership; establishes a bonus program for National Board-certified teachers; and directs development of a performance pay structure for K-12 staff.
SHB 1705   Health sciences and services H Finance 2/15/2007 Barlow  
Creates the health sciences and services program to promote bioscience-based economic development and advance new therapies and procedures to combat disease and promote public health.
HB 1711   State energy road map H Tech/En/Com 1/25/2007 Chase CONCERNS
Declares an intent that the Washington State University energy program study these issues and create a Washington state energy efficiency and renewable energy road map. Directs the Washington State University energy program to report its results and provide the Washington state energy efficiency and renewable energy road map to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2008.
HB 1759   Shared leave H 2nd ReadSCal 2/23/2007 McIntire  
HB 1765   Construction claims H Judiciary 1/26/2007 Lantz  
SHB 1779 SB 5555 GET ready for math & science H Approp 2/20/2007 Wallace  
Get Ready for Math & Science Establishes the GET ready for math and science scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to provide scholarships to students who achieve level four on the mathematics or science portions of the tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning, major in a mathematics, science, or related field in college, and commit to working in mathematics, science, or a related field for at least three years in Washington following completion of their bachelor'sdegree. The program shall be administered by the nonprofit organization selected as the private partner in the publicprivate partnership. Scheduled for a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 27.
SHB 1784 SB 4215 Investment of certain moneys H CB DPS 2/22/2007 Kenney Support
By Request of Washington State University Sponsored by state Rep. Phyllis Kenney. This is a proposed statutory change to implement the intent of a proposed state constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 4215. The bill was heard by the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 8. State Treasurer Mike Murphy has proposed amendments. If HJR 4215 is adopted, this bill makes technical changes to state law that would allow the State Investment Board to invest in equities with money in the higher education trust permanent funds.The bill was amended in the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 22 and passed out with amendments supported by WSU and the state Treasurer.
HB 1823   Business school association H Hi Ed 1/30/2007 Kenney  
HB 1856 5782 Child care programs H Hi Ed 1/30/2007 Roberts Neutral/Amendment
Washington Student Lobby Child Care BillThe child care grant for each institution shall be equal to the amount contributed by the student government association, or its equivalent.Grant funds shall be expended only for the direct costs of providing child care for the children of students.
HB 1871   Education system benchmarks H Education 1/30/2007 Santos  
Need Grant Eligibility Eligibility for the State Need Grant is expanded to include students who meet all of the following criteria: earned a high school diploma or the equivalent of a diploma in Washington; lived in Washington for at least three years immediately prior to receiving the diploma or the equivalent; has continuously lived in the state of Washington after receiving the diploma or equivalent until being admitted to a post-secondary institution; and provides the institution with an affidavit indicating the intent to apply to become a permanent resident at the earliest possible opportunity and willingness to engage in any activities necessary to acquire citizenship. Hearing scheduled for House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 26
HB 1875   Higher education employment H Hi Ed 1/31/2007 Kenney Opposed/Seeking Amendment
75% Tenured Faculty Bill Sets a goal that 75 percent of full-time equivalent faculty positions will be held by fulltime tenured and tenure-track faculty. Sets a goal for salaries of full-time faculty to be at the 60th percentile of Global Challenge States. Directs institutions to determine a pro rata salary standard for adjunct faculty members. Requires institutional biennial budget requests to reflect the implementation costs of achieving these goals. Executive session is scheduled in the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 26. WSU supports amendments to delete research institutions from the bill.
HB 1881 5855 Higher edu coordinating brd H Hi Ed 1/31/2007 Wallace Neutral
Governor Appoints HEC Board Director - See House Bill 1883 - Effective July 1, 2007, an executive director shall be appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by the board to the governor. If requested by the governor, the board shall submit additional names for the governor's consideration until an appointment is made.
HB 1882 5806 Higher education costs H Hi Ed 1/31/2007 Wallace Support
Washington Learns Tuition & Financial Aid Beginning with the 2007-08 academic year and ending with the 2016-17 academic year, tuition fees charged to full-time resident undergraduate students may increase no greater than seven percent over the previous academic year in any institution of higher education. A state goal is adopted that total per student funding levels are at least the 60th percentile of total per student funding at similar institutions in the Global Challenge States. Without reducing enrollment levels below FY 2007 budgeted levels, OFM will establish a funding trajectory to reach this goal for each 4-year institution, including Washington State University. WSU testified for the legislation on Feb. 8 in the House Higher Education Committee
HB 1883   Higher edu coordinating brd H Hi Ed 1/31/2007 Wallace Neutral
Higher Ed Board Reorganization Expands the higher education coordinating board from 10 to 14 members. Changes hiring and oversight of the Executive Director. Increases the time period covered in the strategic master plan for higher education to 10 years.Four members are added to the existing 10 member board. The new members will represent the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the WTECB, the Council of Presidents, and the Independent Colleges of Washington. The members representing education will not have term limits. Two representatives of the public, appointed by the Governor, are added to the board's advisory council. Effective July 1, 2007, the Executive Director of the HECB will be appointed by the Governor from a list of three names submitted by the board. The Executive Director will serve at the pleasure of the board and the Governor. The deadline for the HECB to submit budget recommendations is moved up one month on each even-numbered year.
HB 1906   Math and science education H Education 1/31/2007 Hunter  
HB 1913   Employee organization H Commerce/Lab 1/31/2007 Conway  
HB 1914   Higher edu public works H SGTribalAff 1/31/2007 Buri  
HB 1931   Agricultural activities H Ag & Nat Res 2/1/2007 Blake  
Beginning July 1, 2007, the William D. Ruckelshaus center at UW and WSU shall design and carry out a process to identify issues that cause conflicts between agricultural activities occurring on agricultural lands and development regulations to protect critical areas.
HB 1946   Pesticide use reporting H Env Health 2/1/2007 Wood  
Relating to a pesticide use reporting system to protect human health and the environment;
HB 2011   Commute trip reduction prog H Trans 2/5/2007 Flannigan  
The legislature finds that it is in the interests of our state to extend the commute trip reduction program to include not only employees, but also students from public institutions of higher education.
HB 2051   Higher education H Hi Ed 2/6/2007 Anderson Concerns
AccountabilityThe higher education data center shall be established in the office of financial management and act in collaboration with legislative committee staff. The higher education data center shall conduct analyses of higher education issues, and issues that pertain to student transition into higher education. The higher education data center shall be considered an education research agency under applicable federal and state statutes for purposes of receiving and processing student record data for research purposes.
HB 2063   Capital authorization cert H Approp 2/7/2007 Fromhold  
HB 2064   Career & tech education H Education 2/7/2007 Ormsby  
HB 2065   Tuition waivers for veterans H Hi Ed 2/7/2007 Kristiansen  
Removes provisions requiring institutions of higher education to ask about, and encourage the use of, funds available under the Montgomery GI Bill prior to providing state supported tuition waivers to eligible veterans.
HB 2072   Access to higher education H Hi Ed 2/7/2007 Wallace Support/Concerns
Washington Learns Higher Education Bill This is omnibus legislation by Rep. Deb Wallace, revising some of the recommendations of the governor's Washington Learns proposal. The Governor's proposal: Caps resident student tuition increases at 7 percent per year. Adopts a per student funding goal of the 60th percentile of the Global Challenge States. Expands the State Need Grant to serve students with up to 85 percent of the median family income. Expands the State Need Grant to include students taking three or more credits. Implements the Opportunity Grants and Opportunity Partnerships programs. Creates the Passport to College Program for youth in foster care. Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study financial aid access and transparency. Identifies options for credits that will only transfer as part of a transfer agreement.
SHB 2082   Field of dreams program H HEDPS 2/21/2007 Chandler  
HB 2085   Confinement of animals H Judiciary 2/7/2007 Sullivan, P.  
HB 2109   Readiness for college H Hi Ed 2/8/2007 Anderson  
HB 2157   State need grant H Hi Ed 2/12/2007 Hudgins  
HB 2164   Multiple-unit housing H Finance 2/12/2007 Dunshee Neutral
HB 2178   Sale of public lands H SGTribalAff 2/12/2007 Hasegawa  
HB 2184   Social security acct numbers H Commerce/Lab 2/12/2007 Schual-Berke  
HB 2211   Technical assistance H ComEcDevTr 2/13/2007 Wallace  
HB 2212   Agricultural activities H Local Gov. 2/13/2007 Blake  
HB 2213   Agricultural activities H Local Gov. 2/13/2007 Sullivan, B.  
HB 2232   Public works/higher edu H SGTribalAff 2/14/2007 Sullivan, P.  
HB 2235   Boards and commissions H HC/Wellness 2/14/2007 Miloscia  
HB 2241   Technology and innovation H Tech/En/Com 2/14/2007 Hudgins Concerns
Provides that the Legislature intends to establish a Technology Governing Board that ensures appropriate coordination among state technology entities; eliminates duplication of services; sets the direction for future state technology efforts; and establishes performance metrics and a prudent administrative overhead rate. Institutions under the authority of the governing board would include the WTC, the SIRTI, the Life Sciences Discovery Fund, and any future technology-based entities the Legislature may establish.
SHB 2289   Information technology H Approp 2/23/2007 Ericks Opposed
Transferring IT AuthorityThis legislation would shift responsibility for enterprise services from institutions of higher education to the Director of the state Department of Information Services. Technology applications in education and higher education are dramatically different than those of state government, especially in the academic and research arenas. Currently WSU is responsible for providing such enterprise services as campus security, student systems, course management systems, housing, card services, dining, research and computing, facility systems, personnel systems, etc. These functions must remain the responsibility of the institution and not become the responsibility of the Director of DIS since that position has no direct relationship, stake or accountability for providing these services on various higher education campuses.
HB 2295 SB 5978 Olympic & Kitsap higher edu H Hi Ed 2/19/2007 Seaquist Neutral
Peninsula Bill Requires the higher education coordinating board to assess the higher education needs in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties and recommend to the legislature solutions to the higher education needs. Solutions that the board should consider include, but should not be limited to, establishment of new baccalaureate institutions, expansion of existing institutions to include baccalaureate degrees, and colocation of institutions. In conducting its assessment, the board shall take into account but not be limited to the following: Population growth, higher education participation rates, economic demand and workforce needs, and drive and commute times to existing institutions of higher education. Scheduled for a hearing in the House Higher Education Committee
HB 2298   Tuition waivers for teachers H Hi Ed 2/19/2007 Ericks  
Declares an intent to assist beginning public school teachers with their educational expenses by having state colleges and universities waive tuition for those courses required for a master's degree or professional certification. The legislature further intends that teachers repay teachers repay the waived tuition with future service in the public schools. Scheduled for a hearing in the House Higher Education Committee.
HB 2300 SB 6077 College textbooks H Hi Ed 2/19/2007 Hasegawa  
Each publisher of college textbooks shall make immediately available to a prospective purchaser of their products the price at which the publisher would make the products available to a campus bookstore and any revisions to the product.
HB 2317   Defining high demand H Hi Ed 2/20/2007 Wallace Concerns/Amendment
High-demand bill The higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the office of financial management, the employment security department, and the department of community, trade, and economic development, shall work collaboratively to prepare recommended legislation that includes a statutory definition of high demand for use by the legislature and all agencies and institutions that offer postsecondary education, employment preparation, and workforce-related services to business and industry.
SHJR 4215   Prohibition on investment H CB DPS 2/22/2007 Kenney Support
By request of Washington State University. This is a proposed constitutional amendment that will permit the state investment board to buy stocks or equities for investment of funds derived from university trust land revenues. Currently, the State Investment Board is limited to government bonds. This legislation is intended to benefit the state's six baccalaureate institutions. It extend the authority to them that has been granted to K-12, the state pension funds, Labor and Industries funds, and university permanent funds in many other states. The proposal was heard Feb. 8 in the House Capital Budget Committee. State Treasurer Mike Murphy supported the concept. The bill was amended in the House Capital Budget Committee on Feb. 22 and passed out with amendments supported by WSU and the state Treasurer.
HJR 4222   Eminent domain H Judiciary 2/7/2007 Rodne  
SSB 5002   Tuition waivers H Hi Ed 2/5/2007 Hewitt  
Declares that, subject to the conditions in this act, the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and the community colleges, shall waive all tuition and fees for the following persons: (1) A child and the spouse of an eligible veteran or national guard member who became totally disabled as defined in RCW 28B.15.385 while engaged in active federal military or naval service, or who is determined by the federal government to be a prisoner of war or missing in action…
SSB 5013   Tuition increase authority S Ways & Means 2/22/2007 Schoesler Concerns
Schoesler Tuition Bill Provides that, beginning with the 2007-08 academic year, unless approved by a two-thirds majority vote of each house, tuition increases for all undergraduate and graduate students may not exceed the following: (1) The rate of inflation; or (2) Fifty percent of the students…
ESSB 5040   Survivors' endowed schlr H Hi Ed 2/20/2007 Eide  
The legislature further intends to assist the families of such veterans by providing an endowed scholarship for postsecondary education to the veterans' surviving children and spouses.
SSB 5098   Opportunities scholarship S Ways & Means 2/1/2007 Rockefeller  
Proposes a creation of a guaranteed one-year tuition scholarship program for students from low and middle-income families and those students that may be the first in their family to attend college.
SSB 5101   Higher education waivers S 2nd Reading 2/20/2007 Hobbs  
Teacher high demand waivers Teachers and certified instructional staff employed at public common and vocational schools are eligible for a waiver of all or a portion of their tuition, services, and activity fees. This waiver is available only if they are taking the courses for the purposes of meeting their continuing education credits in a high demand field.
SB 5105   College in high school prog S EL/K-12 Educ 1/10/2007 McAuliffe  
Directs the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the public baccalaureate institutions to jointly develop and adopt rules governing the college in the high school program. The rules shall be written to encourage the maximum use of the program and shall not narrow or limit the enrollment options.
SB 5139 HB 1089 Operating sup budget 2005-07 S Ways & Means 1/11/2007 Prentice Support
Governor's Supplemental Operating Budget BillThe 2005-07 appropriations for various state agencies and programs, including Washington State University, are modified in this budget bill for the current biennium.
SB 5140 HB 1128 Operating budget 2007-09 S Ways & Means 1/11/2007 Prentice Support
Governor's Operating Budget Bill Biennial appropriations for the 2007-09 fiscal biennium for the various agencies and programs of the state are enacted, including appropriations for general government agencies, human services programs, natural resources agencies, and educational institutions.
SSB 5155   Passport to college program S Ways & Means 2/6/2007 Kilmer  
Creates the passport to college promise program. The purpose of the program is: (1) To encourage current and former foster care youth to prepare for, attend, and successfully complete higher education; and (2) To provide current and former foster care youth with the educational planning, information, institutional support, and direct financial resources necessary for them to succeed in higher education.
SB 5156 HB 1092 Capital budget S Ways & Means 1/11/2007 Fraser Support
The Governor's Capital Construction Budget
SB 5216   Forest land base S NR/Ocean/Rec 1/12/2007 Jacobsen  
The working forest land board is created. The board is composed of five members, of whom two members must be appointed by the governor. The commissioner of public lands, or the commissioner's designee, shall serve ex officio as a voting member of the board. The deans of the University of Washington college of forest resources and the Washington State University college of agriculture, human and natural resource sciences, or their designees, shall serve as members of the board.
SSB 5280   Military scholarships S Rules 2 1/25/2007 Jacobsen  
Creating an educational opportunity for military families, by a military scholars program.
SB 5289   Veteran-owned businesses S Govt Op & El 1/16/2007 Kilmer  
SB 5322   Institution of higher edu S Ways & Means 2/6/2007 Berkey Neutral
Everett-area Polytechnical Institution The Office of Financial Management (OFM) must assess options and make a recommendation on alternative sites and secure purchase options for an institution of higher education in the Snohomish, Island or Skagit County region. Possible sites will be identified using the following criteria: (1) meeting the unmet baccalaureate needs in the region; (2) accessibility from existing and planned transportation infrastructure; (3) availability of land in Everett, Marysville, and the north Snohomish County; (4) whether the parcel size allows flexibility for future growth; (5) costs of land acquisition; (6) whether the land is impacted by environmental hazards; and (7) meeting the objectives of the master business plan. The OFM must develop specific operational and management plans needed to establish a institution offering comprehensive, four-year programs with a polytechnical focus that addresses regional demographic pressures and workforce needs. The OFM must coordinate with the local community. The OFM must contract with an outside neutral consultant for this effort. Recommendations are reported to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives by December 1, 2007.
SB 5327   Higher edu tuition and fees S Higher Educ 1/17/2007 Jacobsen Concerns
The University of Washington is authorized to establish its own building fee. The fee is determined annually.
SB 5340   Definition of disability S Judiciary 1/17/2007 Kline  
SSB 5369   Scholarship/math & science S Ways & Means 2/9/2007 Shin  
SB 5384 HB 1398 U of W and WSU S Rules 2G 2/20/2007 Fraser PRO
UW-WSU Bond Bill Expands the University of Washington's and Washington State University's local borrowing authority by allowing the universities to bond against all nonappropriated funds. The authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University to issue bonds is expanded to any university purpose. Any nonappropriated funds may be obligated for the repayment of such bonds. This debt will not count against the state's constitutional debt limit and will not be backed by the full faith and credit of the state. The universities must report annually to the appropriate committees of the Legislature and the State Treasurer on the use of this bonding authority. Language was removed that required bonds to be rated no lower than the lowest subcategory of the single "A" rating category by at least one nationally recognized credit rating agency. The scope of the annual reporting requirement was expanded to include additional summary level information.WSU testified for the legislation in the Senate Ways & Means Committee Jan. 31.
SB 5385   Student loan revenue bonds S Higher Educ 1/18/2007 Shin  
Authorizing theWashington higher education facilities authority to originate and acquire educational loans and to issue nonrecourse revenue bonds to be paid from such loans.
SSB 5387   Commercialization of tech S Rules 2 2/21/2007 Kastama  
In conjunction with public universities and colleges and private and federal research laboratories in the state; develop and disseminate a guide to the technology commercialization process in general and the particular commercialization assistance available from research and academic institutions in the state.
SB 5410   Postsecondary opportunities S Ways & Means 2/22/2007 Berkey  
Requires the college board, in partnership with business, labor, and the workforce training and education coordinating board, to: (1) Identify job specific training programs offered by qualified postsecondary institutions that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree in high demand occupations, which are occupations where employer demand for workers…
SB 5411   State need grant S Ways & Means 2/6/2007 Delvin  
Amending the state need grant award eligibility.
SSB 5420   Public agencies' web sites S Rules 2 2/12/2007 Roach  
Every public agency that owns or maintains a public internet web site shall post to it all ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, orders, and directives adopted by its governing body within five business days of adoption. The minutes of all regular and special meetings of the governing body of every public agency that owns or maintains such a web site shall also be posted within five business days of the meetings.
SSB 5442   Tuition waivers for veterans S Rules 2 2/22/2007 Hobbs Neutral/Amendment
Veterans Waiver Bill Washington public institutions of higher education must waive all tuition and fees for eligible medal recipients; children and spouses of eligible veterans or National Guard members who become totally disabled while on active duty or are determined to be a prisoner of war or missing in action; and children and spouses of eligible veterans or National Guard members who lost their life while on active duty. Spouses are not eligible for the waiver if they remarry. An "eligible medal recipient" is defined as a Washington domiciliary who is on active duty or honorably discharged, who has resided in the state for at least one year, and who has been awarded the Afghanistan campaign medal, Iraq campaign medal, or the global war on terror expeditionary medal.
SB 5462 HB 1045 Board of natural resources S NR/Ocean/Rec 1/19/2007 Jacobsen  
30 Percent DNR Fees Extends for 10 years the ability of the Board of Natural Resources to 30 percent of the proceeds earned from transactions on state lands.Passed the state House of Representatives 86-10 on Feb. 16.
SB 5489 HB 1506 Alternative public works S Govt Op & El 1/22/2007 Rockefeller  
Alternative Public Works The use of alternative public works contracting procedures is extended to 2014. The authorization to use alternative public works procedures expires June 30, 2007. Expands the use of the design-build and general contractor/construction manager contracting (GC/CM) procedures. Establishes a project review committee to approve the use of design-build and GC/CM contracting procedures. Requires data collection for evaluation of alternative contracting procedures.
SB 5501 HB 1641 Washington learns S EL/K-12 Educ 1/22/2007 McAuliffe Support
Governor's Washington Learns Bill Many of the recommendations from the November 2006 report of the Washington Learns steering committee are implemented. It is organized by early learning, K-12, and higher education provisions. Establishes a Washington Learns Scholarship and a Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Ready for Math and Science Scholarship; requires implementation of the regional opportunity grant program; expands eligibility for the State Need Grant; creates and state tuition policy; and changes the appointment of the director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board. It establishes an Early Learning Advisory Council; directs the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to implement a five-star voluntary rating system for child care centers and early education programs; and outlines the private-public responsibilities between the DEL and Thrive by Five. Phases in voluntary full-day kindergarten; creates demonstration projects for K-12 student learning opportunities; requires review of mathematics and science standards and curricula; creates demonstration projects, regional professional development programs, and alternative routes to teacher certification to support improvement in mathematics and science education; creates an academy for school leadership; establishes a bonus program for National Board-certified teachers; and directs development of a performance pay structure for K-12 staff.
SB 5514 1875 Higher education employment S Higher Educ 1/23/2007 Kohl-Welles Opposed
Salaries for fulltime faculty should be increased above a regular cost-ofliving increase until by 2013 salaries are in the top twentyfive percent for faculty of comparable rank in global challenge states. In addition, to achieve this goal, each institution of higher education..
SB 5532   Eminent domain S Judiciary 1/23/2007 Benton  
SSB 5555   GET ready for math & science S Ways & Means 2/9/2007 Shin  
Get Ready for Math & Science Establishes the GET ready for math and science scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to provide scholarships to students who achieve level four on the mathematics or science portions of the tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning, major in a mathematics, science, or related field in college, and commit to working in mathematics, science, or a related field for at least three years in Washington following completion of their bachelor's degree. The program shall be administered by the nonprofit organization selected as the private partner in the publicprivate partnership.
SB 5571   Student athletes S Higher Educ 1/24/2007 Jacobsen Opposed
Student Athlete Bill of Rights An institution of higher education may not agree to, or be subject to, the rules or policies of any organization, association, or any other type of entity, nor make a contract with any party that dictates the terms, value, and conditions of student athlete scholarships. This prohibition relates to any of the following: (1) the terms or duration of a scholarship or stipend, the value of which is below the actual cost of attendance at that institution; (2) the amount earned from bona fide employment not associated with their sport; (3) health insurance; (4) the ability to obtain licensed representation in making career choices; and (5) the ability to transfer to another institution of higher education if a head coach leaves the school of attendance or anticipated attendance. WSU testified against the bill in the Senate Higher Education Committee
SB 5586 HB 1303 Cleaner energy S Wtr/Ener/Tel 1/24/2007 Murray Support/Amendments
Clean Energy Bill The bill currently provides $6.75 million to Washington State University cooperative extension. WSU would prefer that funding be provided to the entire university to promote research programs in biofuels and bioproducts, rather than just extension programs.
SSB 5612   Online business training S Ways & Means 2/20/2007 Kilmer  
Establish the curriculum course content in coordination with: The state microenterprise association; the small business development center; universities and community and technical colleges with small business assistance programs; the workforce training and education coordinating board; and other public and private entrepreneurial and small business assistance centers in the state;
SB 5622 HB 1399 Collective bargaining S Lab/Comm/RD 1/25/2007 Kohl-Welles Concerns
Staff Collective Bargaining Extends collective bargaining rights to managers and administrators who were previously exempt. WSU testified in the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Feb. 6. WSU expressed concerns that the bill adds high level managers to the collective bargaining process, something that is not allowed elsewhere in state government.
SB 5766   Investment of certain moneys S Rules 2 2/21/2007 Fraser PRO
By Request of Washington State University Sponsored by state Sen. Karen Fraser. This is a proposed statutory change to implement the intent of a proposed state constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 8220. If SJR 8220 is adopted, this bill makes technical changes to state law that would allow the State Investment Board to invest in equities with money in the higher education trust permanent funds.
SSB 5770   Higher edu public works S Rules 2 2/22/2007 Shin  
SB 5772 HB 1913 Employee organization S Lab/Comm/RD 1/31/2007 Kohl-Welles Opposed
Cross check bill An union is certified as the exclusive bargaining representative of the bargaining unit if there are valid cards for a majority (more than 50 percent) of the employees in the bargaining unit. Under current law, if an application for certification of an organization as an exclusive bargaining representative is submitted, along with a 70 percent showing of interest, a cross-check may be conducted. The collective bargaining laws authorize a state commission to conduct either an election or a cross-check of organization membership records or bargaining authorization cards with employment records.
SB 5782 HB 1856 Child care programs S Ways & Means 2/20/2007 McAuliffe Neutral/Amendment
Washington Student Lobby Child Care BillThe child care grant for each institution shall be equal to the amount contributed by the student government association, or its equivalent.Grant funds shall be expended only for the direct costs of providing child care for the children of students.
SSB 5806 HB 1882 Higher education costs S Ways & Means 2/20/2007 Schoesler Support
Implementing Washington Learns The bill creates a state goal to increase funding at the state colleges and universities to at least the 60th percentile of comparable institutions in the Global Challenge States within ten years. The Office of Financial Management (OFM) reports on the progress made toward the state goal. Decreasing student enrollment below 2007 budgeted levels is not allowed as a method of increasing per-student funding. A definition of the Global Challenge States is provided. At least once every five years, OFM must determine whether there should be changes to the list of states. Tuition increases at each institution are limited to no more than 7 percent per year. The Washington Learns Scholarship program is established to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and materials, minus the value of other state financial aid received, for up to five years for students from low-income families and students from families in which neither parent attained a baccalaureate degree. The GET Ready for Math and Science Scholarship program is established to cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to four years for students who achieve level four on the math or science Washington Assessment of Student Learning in 10th grade.
SSB 5855 HB 1881 Higher edu coordinating brd S Rules 2 2/20/2007 Delvin Neutral
Governor Appoints HEC Board Director Effective July 1, 2007, an executive director shall be appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by the board to the governor. If requested by the governor, the board shall submit additional names for the governor's consideration until an appointment is made.
SSB 5869   Personal information S Rules 2 2/22/2007 Kline  
SB 5881   Water power license fees S Wtr/Ener/Tel 2/5/2007 Poulsen  
SB 5956   Teacher certification S EL/K-12 Educ 2/8/2007 Tom  
SSB 5978 HB 2295 Olympic & Kitsap higher edu S Ways & Means 2/22/2007 Kilmer Neutral
Peninsula Bill Requires the higher education coordinating board to assess the higher education needs in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties and recommend to the legislature solutions to the higher education needs. Solutions that the board should consider include, but should not be limited to, establishment of new baccalaureate institutions, expansion of existing institutions to include baccalaureate degrees, and colocation of institutions. In conducting its assessment, the board shall take into account but not be limited to the following: Population growth, higher education participation rates, economic demand and workforce needs, and drive and commute times to existing institutions of higher education.
SB 5996   Life sciences research S EcDev/T&Mgmt 2/12/2007 Kastama Opposed
Life Sciences Research Grants may be made for the promotion of life sciences research and development. Factors to consider in evaluating requests for grant funding include: (1) the proposed technical assistance in product development or production process design; and (2) the potential to promote technical skills training for health care delivery, biomedical manufacturing, and life sciences related employment in the state. WSU has concerns that this bill earmarks competitive Life Sciences research funding for specific entities. WSU testified against the bill on Feb. 16.
SB 6021   Boards and commissions S Govt Op & El 2/14/2007 Fairley  
SB 6023   Alternative assessments S EL/K-12 Educ 2/14/2007 McAuliffe  
SB 6037   Cert of academic achievement S EL/K-12 Educ 2/14/2007 Hargrove  
SB 6056   Sugar beets for biofuel S Ag/Rural/Dev 2/16/2007 Clements Concerns
Sugar Beet Bill A study is to be conducted on the potential and suitability of growing sugar beets for bio-fuel production. In conducting the study, Washington State University is to consider a number of factors including: 1) current and potential availability of sugar beet feedstock in the state; 2) suitability of growing conditions in various regions of the state; 3) expected fuel yield per acre in relation to other potential feedstocks; 4) technological feasibility of converting sugar beets into fuel; 5) economic feasibility of growing sugar beets for production of bio-fuels; 6) a description of the infrastructure needed such as processing plants and machinery; and 7) potential contribution to rural economic development. By December 1, 2009, Washington State University must provide a written report on its findings and conclusions.
SB 6070   College & university boards S Higher Educ 2/19/2007 Shin Opposed
Faculty Regents The governing boards at the University of Washington, Washington State University, The Evergreen State College, and each of the regional universities are required to have a faculty representative on their governing boards. The representative must be a fulltime faculty member selected from a list of nominees made by the governing body of the university faculty. The bill is urged by the Council of Facultyl Representatives (CFR.)
SSB 6077 HB 2300 College textbooks S Rules 2 2/23/2007 Kilmer Neutral
Upon the request of a prospective purchaser who is a faculty member at an institution of higher education, textbook publishers must disclose the intended price of their products at the on-campus bookstore. The history of revisions must also be disclosed upon request. The bookstore does not have to be on-campus. The publisher must disclose the information upon request of a faculty member, even if the person did not purchase the book.
SB 6088   State trust lands S NR/Ocean/Rec 2/19/2007 Jacobsen Concerns
DNR Commercial Property Prohibits DNR from acquiring further commercial properties, and directs DNR to transition out of commercial property management by June 30, 2013. Authorizes DNR to lease land and development rights to public agencies for terms not to exceed 99 years. Limits the purposes for which DNR may exchange state lands. Modifies DNR's Land Bank to focus on the acquisition of lands with potential for long-term stewardship of natural resource values. WSU has signed in with concerns about the legislation. It has passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on March 1.
SB 6122 Neutral Autism program S Hea/L-T Care 2/23/2007 Rasmussen  
Autism The Department of Health (DOH) will establish the regional centers for Washington individuals with autism program in targeted areas of the state. DOH will confer with the Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Task Force and create and expand regional centers in eastern and western Washington. These regional centers will work with existing programs to train allied health professionals, provide technical assistance, provide support, promote independence, inclusion and community integration. Regional centers will develop a consortia of care to minimize duplication of services.
SJR 8220   Prohibition on investment S Rules 2 2/21/2007 Fraser PRO
By request of Washington State University. This is a proposed constitutional amendment that will permit the state investment board to buy stocks or equities for investment of funds derived from university trust land revenues. Currently, the State Investment Board is limited to government bonds. This legislation is intended to benefit the state's six baccalaureate institutions. It extend the authority to them that has been granted to K-12, the state pension funds, Labor and Industries funds, and university permanent funds in many other states. .
* Click on bill number to go to the Bill Summary Page on the Legislature’s web site.

 
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