Zeiger’s higher education bills signed into law by governor
Two higher education measures prime-sponsored by Rep. Hans Zeiger were signed into law by the governor on March 30.
House Bill 2259 eliminates certain higher education reporting requirements that duplicate federal reporting requirements.
“There is no reason why our colleges and universities need to fill out the same report twice in two formats,” said Zeiger, R-Puyallup. “Our higher education institutions are asked to track and report a great deal of information. I will be working with higher education leaders during the interim to identify other unnecessary reporting requirements that are costing administrative time and taxpayer money.”
House Bill 2313 requires Washington's college and university boards of trustees and regents to follow procedures for open public meetings and to announce tuition increases 21 days prior to board approval. The bill would ensure that higher education boards allow time for public comment.
“It is critical our students, parents, faculty and others interested in our higher education system feel there is transparency and accessibility with the governing boards of our institutions,” said Zeiger. “Now that the board of regents at our universities have tuition-setting authority and we are constantly looking at reforms and cost-savings in higher education, we need to ensure that these lines of communication are open.
“These are common sense measures that will add efficiency and transparency to our higher education system.”
Both bills received unanimous support as they went through the legislative process. The measures go into effect June 6, 2012.
CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7794
Gov. Gregoire signs higher education measure as Rep. Hans Zeiger looks on. Photo courtesy House of Representatives.
