Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Cap College Tuition

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2007

Bill limits undergraduate tuition increases to no more than seven percent; Governor also takes action on a bill that will improve oversight, safety of shellfish

OLYMPIA - Governor Gregoire today signed into law a measure to help keep college affordable for Washington students and their families. The bill limits undergraduate tuition increases to no more than seven percent per year, sets the goal of raising per-student funding to at least the 60th percentile of comparable institutions in the Global Challenge States within ten years and directs schools to clarify on billing statements what portion of the cost of education is paid for by the state and what is paid for by tuition.

�This bill provides predictability and stability to students and their families and makes billing statements easier to understand so it is clear what their tuition pays for,� said Governor Gregoire.

Second Substitute Senate Bill 5806, sponsored by Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville), passed the House with 96 votes and passed the Senate with 48 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Bill to Improve Oversight, Improve Safety of Shellfish Beds

Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure that requires counties, after consultation with the state, to implement comprehensive shellfish protection plans that address water quality.

�Shellfish are an indicator species � their health points to the overall health and safety of our waters � and many Washington families depend on shellfish for their livelihood,� said Governor Gregoire.

Senate Bill 5778, sponsored by Sen. Karen Fraser (D-Olympia), passed the House with 93 votes and passed the Senate with 48 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Additional Bill Action Today

Governor Gregoire today also signed the following bills into law:

• HB 1556 - Relating to designating the Walla Walla sweet onion as the official Washington state vegetable.
• SSB 5032 - Relating to the Vancouver national historic reserve.
• SSSB 5114 - Relating to student transportation funding.
• SB 5206 - Relating to tires with retractable studs.
• SSB 5219 - Relating to the Northwest weather and avalanche center.
• SSB 5225 - Relating to regulation of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines.
• SSB 5244 - Relating to implementation of the deficit reduction act.
• SB 5258 - Relating to the Washington council for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
• SB 5259 - Relating to disposal of unneeded park land.
• ESSB 5373 - Relating to reporting, penalty, and corporate officer provisions of the unemployment insurance system.
• SSB 5475 - Relating to underground storage tanks.
• SSB 5483 - Relating to retaining the distribution of city hardship assistance program funds to cities and towns for street maintenance.
• SB 5613 - Relating to entrepreneurial training opportunities.
• SB 5798 - Relating to design-build construction for transportation projects.
• SSB 5919 - Relating to retaliatory tax relief on insurance premium taxes.
• SB 6090 - Relating to persons who perform crowd management or guest services.
• SB 6129 - Relating to funding for the state patrol highway account.