Legislature asks for 21-day notice, public comment on tuition increases
Legislation that would require Washington's college and university boards of trustees and regents to follow procedures for open public meetings passed the Legislature Monday.
Rep. Hans Zeiger introduced House Bill 2313 this year to ensure higher education institutions are in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act and provide time for public comment at meetings. The bill was amended by the Senate to require 21 days of notice prior to board approval of tuition increases. The House concurred with the Senate amendment, so the bill now goes to the governor's desk for her signature.
“The public deserves a voice in higher education policymaking, especially when tuition decisions are made,” said Zeiger, R-Puyallup. “Now that the boards of our colleges and universities have tuition-setting authority, the Legislature is responsible to ensure that the public can provide input.”
The Senate passed Zeiger's House Bill 2259 last week and it is also awaiting the governor's signature. That bill would eliminate a higher education reporting requirement that duplicates federal reporting.
Both measures received unanimous support in the House and Senate.
The 60-day session is scheduled to adjourn March 8.
Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7794
