title: RCW 28B.50.216

text:
(1) The state board for community and technical colleges, in collaboration with the boards of trustees for the community and technical colleges, shall identify potential administrative efficiencies, complementary administrative functions, and complementary academic programs based upon consultation with colleges within a regional area. To study and identify potential administrative efficiencies and complementary administrative functions and programs, colleges within the regional area shall work with stakeholders including faculty and staff representatives appointed by their respective unions. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to:
(a) The economic feasibility and cost savings anticipated from the proposed changes;
(b) The extent to which the changes will contribute to student access to academic programs and services, including greater flexibility for students to transfer credits and obtain degrees and certificates from other colleges within the regional area; and
(c) The extent to which the changes contribute to the vision, goals, priorities, and statewide strategies in the comprehensive master plan and the statewide strategic master plan for higher education.
(2) The state board for community and technical colleges shall develop and adopt a detailed plan for the implementation of any identified changes that would result in cost savings while maintaining or enhancing student access and achievement. If educational programs are identified that would provide cost savings if consolidated, the faculty and staff of those programs shall be convened to assist in the development of the part of the plan that will impact their programs and collective bargaining agreements. The plan must establish a time frame within which any proposed changes must be accomplished and must include any agreements, approved by the state board for community and technical colleges, between colleges within a regional area to provide complementary academic programs or coordinate administrative functions. The implementation plan shall take effect upon approval by the state board for community and technical colleges. The state board shall submit a preliminary report on the plan to the appropriate legislative committees and the governor December 1, 2010, and shall submit a final report December 1, 2011.
(3) Any cost savings realized as a result of the implementation of administrative efficiencies, complementary administrative functions, and complementary academic programming under the plan shall be retained by the respective districts to be used for enhancing student access and success, and the retention and recruitment of high quality faculty, including but not limited to, full-time faculty, faculty development, and academic programs.
(4) The college board, using the criteria and processes established in this section and in consultation with the boards of trustees for the community and technical colleges, shall identify adjacent college districts that can feasibly be consolidated or whose boundaries can feasibly be modified to form a multiple campus district. The primary considerations shall be the extent to which the changes will: (a) Affect student access to academic programs and services, (b) affect the retention and recruitment of high quality faculty, and (c) result in financial efficiencies.
(5) By December 1, 2012, the college board, in consultation with local boards of trustees, shall evaluate any proposed district consolidations or boundary changes identified in subsection (4) of this section as it deems advisable and shall submit any required supporting legislative changes to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature.
[ 2010 c 246 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2010 c 246: See note following RCW 28B.50.020.

catchline: Identification and implementation of potential administrative efficiencies, complementary administrative functions, and complementary academic programs within regional area—Plan—Retention of cost savings—Reports.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 28B.50.242

text:
The state board for community and technical colleges shall provide statewide coordination of video telecommunications programming for the community and technical college system.
[ 1991 c 238 s 45; 1990 c 208 s 10.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Video telecommunications programming.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 28B.50.248

text:
Nothing in RCW 43.216.135 or * 43.216.136 requires a community or technical college to expand any of its existing child care facilities. Any additional child care services provided by a community or technical college as a result of RCW 43.216.135 or * 43.216.136 must be provided within existing resources and existing facilities.
[ 2021 c 199 s 502. Prior: 2020 c 355 s 4; 2020 c 279 s 3; 2019 c 406 s 71; 2019 c 97 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.216.136 was recodified as RCW 43.216.800 pursuant to 2024 c 67 s 10.
Short title—Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 199: See notes following RCW 43.216.770.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2020 c 355: See notes following RCW 43.216.135.
Effective date—2020 c 279: See note following RCW 43.216.800.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 97: See note following RCW 43.216.135.

catchline: Effect of child care subsidy eligibility expansion—Use of existing resources.


title: RCW 28B.50.250

text:
The state board for community and technical colleges and the state board of education are hereby authorized to permit, on an ad hoc basis, the common school districts to conduct pursuant to RCW 28B.50.530 a program in adult education in behalf of a college district when such program will not conflict with existing programs of the same nature and in the same geographical area conducted by the college districts: PROVIDED, That federal programs for adult education shall be administered by the state board for community and technical colleges, which agency is hereby declared to be the state educational agency primarily responsible for supervision of adult education in the public schools as defined by *RCW 28B.50.020.
[ 1991 c 238 s 46; 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 25; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.250. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 25.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The reference to RCW 28B.50.020 appears to be erroneous. "Adult education" is defined in RCW 28B.50.030.
Severability—1969 ex.s. c 261: See note following RCW 28B.50.020.
Community education programs: RCW 28A.620.020.

catchline: Adult education programs in common school districts, limitations—Certain federal programs, administration.


title: RCW 28B.50.252

text:
(1) Each local education agency or college district offering vocational educational programs shall establish local advisory committees to provide that agency or district with advice on current job needs and on the courses necessary to meet these needs.
(2) The local program committees shall:
(a) Participate in the determination of program goals;
(b) Review and evaluate program curricula, equipment, and effectiveness;
(c) Include representatives of business and labor who reflect the local industry, and the community; and
(d) Actively consult with other representatives of business, industry, labor, and agriculture.
[ 1991 c 238 s 77.]

catchline: Districts offering vocational educational programs—Local advisory committees—Advice on current job needs.


title: RCW 28B.50.254

text:
(1) There is hereby created the Washington advisory council on adult education. The advisory council shall advise the state board for community and technical colleges and the workforce training and education coordinating board concerning adult basic education and literacy programs. The advisory council shall perform all duties of state advisory councils on adult education as specified in P.L. 100-297, as amended. The advisory council's actions shall be consistent with the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education prepared by the workforce training and education coordinating board as provided for in RCW 28C.18.060.
(2) The advisory council on adult education shall consist of nine members as required by federal law, appointed by the governor. In making these appointments, to the maximum extent feasible, the governor shall give consideration to providing overlapping membership with the membership of the state job training coordinating council, and the governor shall give consideration to individuals with expertise and experience in adult basic education.
(3) The workforce training and education coordinating board shall monitor the need for the council as described in subsection (1) of this section, and, if that need no longer exists, propose legislation to terminate the council.
[ 1991 c 238 s 19.]

catchline: Advisory council on adult education—Workforce training and education coordinating board to monitor.


title: RCW 28B.50.259

text:
(1) The state board for community and technical colleges shall administer a program designed to provide higher education opportunities to dislocated forest products workers and their unemployed spouses who are enrolled in a community or technical college for ten or more credit hours per quarter. In administering the program, the college board shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) With the assistance of an advisory committee, design a procedure for selecting dislocated forest products workers to participate in the program;
(b) Allocate funding to community and technical colleges attended by participants; and
(c) Monitor the program and report on participants' progress and outcomes.
(2) Unemployed spouses of eligible dislocated forest products workers may participate in the program, but tuition and fees may be waived under the program only for the worker or the spouse and not both.
(3) Subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the community and technical colleges may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for program participants, for a maximum of six quarters within a two-year period.
(4) During any biennium, the number of full-time equivalent students to be served in this program shall be determined by the applicable omnibus appropriations act, and shall be in addition to the community college enrollment level funded by the applicable omnibus appropriations act.
[ 1998 c 245 s 21; 1993 sp.s. c 18 s 32; 1992 c 231 s 29; 1991 c 315 s 17.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 18: See note following RCW 28B.12.060.
Effective date—1992 c 231: See note following RCW 28B.10.016.
Intent—1991 c 315: See note following RCW 28B.50.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 315: See RCW 50.70.901.

catchline: Program for dislocated forest products workers—Waiver from tuition and fees.


title: RCW 28B.50.271

text:
(1) The college board shall develop and implement a workforce education program known as the opportunity grant program to provide financial and other assistance for students enrolled at qualified institutions of higher education in opportunity grant-eligible programs of study as described in RCW 28B.50.273. Students enrolled in the opportunity grant program are eligible for:
(a) Funding for tuition and mandatory fees at the public community and technical college rate, prorated if the credit load is less than full time, paid directly to the educational institution; and
(b) An additional one thousand dollars per academic year for books, tools, and supplies, prorated if the credit load is less than full time.
(2) Funding under subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section is limited to a maximum forty-five credits or the equivalent in an opportunity grant-eligible program of study, including required related courses. No student may receive opportunity grant funding for more than forty-five credits or for more than three years from initial receipt of grant funds in one or a combination of programs.
(3) Grants awarded under this section are subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.
[ 2007 c 277 s 101.]
Notes:
Findings—2007 c 277: "The legislature finds that:
(1) The economic trends of globalization and technological change are increasing the demand for higher and differently skilled workers than in the past;
(2) Increasing Washington's economic competitiveness requires increasing the supply of skilled workers in the state;
(3) Improving the labor market competitiveness of all Washington residents requires that all residents have access to postsecondary education; and
(4) Community and technical college workforce training programs and Washington state apprenticeship and training council-approved apprenticeship programs provide effective and efficient pathways for people to enter high wage, high skill careers while also meeting the needs of the economy." [ 2007 c 277 s 1.]
Part headings not law—2007 c 277: "Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law." [ 2007 c 277 s 302.]

catchline: Opportunity grant program.


title: RCW 28B.50.272

text:
(1) To be eligible for participation in the opportunity grant program established in RCW 28B.50.271, a student must:
(a) Be a Washington resident student as defined in RCW 28B.15.012 enrolled in an opportunity grant-eligible program of study;
(b) Have a family income that is at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level using the most current guidelines available from the United States department of health and human services, and be determined to have financial need based on the free application for federal student aid; and
(c) Meet such additional selection criteria as the college board shall establish in order to operate the program within appropriated funding levels.
(2) Upon enrolling, the student must provide evidence of commitment to complete the program. The student must make satisfactory progress and maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average for continued eligibility. If a student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, the student may petition the institution of higher education of attendance. The qualified institution of higher education has the authority to establish a probationary period until such time as the student's grade point average reaches required standards.
(3) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, public qualified institutions of higher education shall receive an enhancement of one thousand five hundred dollars for each full-time equivalent student enrolled in the opportunity grant program whose income is below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level. The funds shall be used for individualized support services which may include, but are not limited to, college and career advising, tutoring, emergency child care, and emergency transportation. The qualified institution of higher education is expected to help students access all financial resources and support services available to them through alternative sources.
(4) The college board shall be accountable for student retention and completion of opportunity grant-eligible programs of study. It shall set annual performance measures and targets and monitor the performance at all qualified institutions of higher education. The college board must reduce funding at institutions of higher education that do not meet targets for two consecutive years, based on criteria developed by the college board.
(5) The college board and office of student financial assistance shall work together to ensure that students participating in the opportunity grant program are informed of all other state and federal financial aid to which they may be entitled while receiving an opportunity grant.
(6) The college board and office of student financial assistance shall document the amount of opportunity grant assistance and the types and amounts of other sources of financial aid received by participating students. Annually, they shall produce a summary of the data.
(7) The college board shall:
(a) Begin developing the program no later than August 1, 2007, with student enrollment to begin no later than January 14, 2008; and
(b) Submit a progress report to the legislature by December 1, 2008.
(8) The college board may, in implementing the opportunity grant program, accept, use, and expend or dispose of contributions of money, services, and property. All such moneys received by the college board for the program must be deposited in an account at a depository approved by the state treasurer. Only the college board or a duly authorized representative thereof may authorize expenditures from this account. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control, the account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required to permit expenditure of moneys in the account.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 157; 2007 c 277 s 102.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 11 ss 101-103, 106-202, 204-244, and 301: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 11: See note following RCW 28B.76.020.
Findings—Part headings not law—2007 c 277: See notes following RCW 28B.50.271.

catchline: Opportunity grant program—Student eligibility—Funding—Performance measures—Documentation—Annual summary.


title: RCW 28B.50.273

text:
For the purposes of identifying opportunity grant-eligible programs of study and other job training programs, the college board, in partnership with business, labor, and the workforce training and education coordinating board, shall:
(1) Identify high employer demand programs of study offered by qualified postsecondary institutions that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree;
(2) Identify job-specific training programs offered by qualified postsecondary institutions that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree in green industry occupations as established in chapter 14, Laws of 2008;
(3) Gain recognition of the credentials, certificates, and degrees by Washington's employers and labor organizations. The college board shall designate these recognized credentials, certificates, and degrees as "opportunity grant-eligible programs of study"; and
(4) Market the credentials, certificates, and degrees to potential students, businesses, and apprenticeship programs as a way for individuals to advance in their careers and to better meet the needs of industry.
[ 2009 c 353 s 2; 2008 c 14 s 10; 2007 c 277 s 201.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Scope of chapter 14, Laws of 2008—2008 c 14: See RCW 70A.45.005 and 70A.45.900.
Findings—Part headings not law—2007 c 277: See notes following RCW 28B.50.271.

catchline: Identification of grant-eligible programs of study and other job training programs—Marketing.


title: RCW 28B.50.274

text:
(1) Community and technical colleges shall partner with local workforce development councils to develop the opportunity partnership program. The opportunity partnership program may be newly developed or part of an existing program, and shall provide mentoring to students participating in the opportunity grant program. The program must develop criteria and identify opportunity grant students who would benefit by having a mentor. Each participating student shall be matched with a business or labor mentor employed in the field in which the student is interested. The mentor shall help the student explore careers and employment options through any combination of tours, informational interviews, job shadowing, and internships.
(2) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the workforce training and education coordinating board shall create the opportunity partnership program. The board, in partnership with business, labor, and the college board, shall determine the criteria for the distribution of funds.
(3) The board may, in implementing this section, accept, use, and dispose of contributions of money, services, and property. All moneys received by the board for the purposes of this section must be deposited in a depository approved by the state treasurer. Only the board or a duly authorized representative thereof may authorize expenditures from this account. In order to maintain an effective expenditure and revenue control, the account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required to permit expenditure of moneys in the account.
[ 2007 c 277 s 202.]
Notes:
Findings—Part headings not law—2007 c 277: See notes following RCW 28B.50.271.

catchline: Opportunity partnership program.


title: RCW 28B.50.278

text:
(1) An opportunity employment and education center is established within the Seattle community college district.
(2) The center shall:
(a) House various educational and social service providers and integrate access to employment, counseling, and public benefit programs and services as well as education, training, financial aid, and counseling services offered through community colleges;
(b) Identify and form partnerships with community-based organizations that enhance the services and supports provided to individuals using the center;
(c) Provide services including, but not limited to, employment security and workforce development council worksource services; job listing, referral, and placement; job coaching; employment counseling, testing, and career planning; unemployment insurance claim filing assistance; cash grant programs run by the department of social and health services; the basic food program; housing assistance; child support assistance; child care subsidies; WorkFirst and temporary assistance for needy families; general assistance and supplemental security income facilitation; vocational rehabilitation services and referrals; medicaid and medical services; alcoholism and drug addiction treatment and support act referrals; case management and mental health referrals; community college financial aid; support services; college counseling services related to career pathways and basic skills resources for English language learners; high school completion; and adult basic education; and
(d) In partnership with the state board for community and technical colleges, jointly develop evaluation criteria and performance indicators that demonstrate the degree to which the center is successfully integrating services and improving service delivery.
(3) The chancellor of the Seattle community college district and technical colleges, or the chancellor's designee, shall convene an opportunity policy work group charged with governing the opportunity employment and education center. The work group membership shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of the King county workforce development council, north Seattle community college, the employment security department, and the department of social and health services. A chair shall be chosen from among the work group's membership on an annual basis, with the position of chair rotating among participating agencies. The work group shall:
(a) Determine protocols for service delivery, develop operating policies and procedures, develop cross-agency training for agency employees located at the center, and develop a plan for a common information technology framework that could allow for interagency access to files and information, including any common application and screening systems that facilitate access to state, federal, and local social service and educational programs, within current resources and to the extent federal privacy laws allow;
(b) Develop a release of information form that may be voluntarily completed by opportunity center clients to facilitate the information sharing outlined in (a) of this subsection. The form is created to aid agencies housed at the opportunity center in determining client eligibility for various social and educational services. The form shall address the types of information to be shared, the agencies with which personal information can be shared, the length of time agencies may keep shared information on file, and any other issue areas identified by the opportunity policy work group to comply with all applicable federal and state laws;
(c) Review national best practices for program operation and provide training to program providers both before opening the center and on an ongoing basis; and
(d) Jointly develop integrated solutions to provide more cost-efficient and customer friendly service delivery.
(4) Participating agencies shall identify and apply for any federal waivers necessary to facilitate the intended goals and operation of the center.
(5) The state board for community and technical colleges shall report to legislative committees with subject areas of commerce and labor, human services, and higher education on the following:
(a) By December 1, 2010, the board, in partnership with participating agencies, shall provide recommendations on a proposed site for an additional opportunity employment and education center; and
(b) By December 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the board shall provide an evaluation of existing centers based on performance criteria identified by the board and the opportunity policy work group. The report shall also include data on any federal and state legislative barriers to integration.
(6) All future opportunity centers shall be governed by the provisions in this section and are subject to the same reporting requirements.
[ 2013 c 23 s 57; 2010 c 40 s 1.]

catchline: Opportunity employment and education center—Opportunity policy work group—Report by college board.


title: RCW 28B.50.281

text:
(1) The state board shall work with the *leadership team, the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction to jointly develop, by June 30, 2010, curricula and training programs, to include on-the-job training, classroom training, and safety and health training, for the development of the skills and qualifications identified by the department of commerce under **section 7 of this act.
(2) The board shall target a portion of any federal stimulus funding received to ensure commensurate capacity for high employer-demand programs of study developed under this section. To that end, the state board must coordinate with the department, the *leadership team, the workforce board, or another appropriate state agency in the application for and receipt of any funding that may be made available through the federal youthbuild program, workforce innovation and opportunity act, job corps, or other relevant federal programs.
(3) The board shall provide an interim report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2011, and a final report by December 1, 2013, detailing the effectiveness of, and any recommendations for improving, the worker training curricula and programs established in this section.
(4) Existing curricula and training programs or programs provided by community and technical colleges in the state developed under this section must be recognized as programs of study under RCW 28B.50.273.
(5) Subject to available funding, the board may grant enrollment priority to persons who qualify for a waiver under RCW 28B.15.522 and who enroll in curricula and training programs provided by community or technical colleges in the state that have been developed in accordance with this section.
(6) The college board may prioritize workforce training programs that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree in green economy jobs. For purposes of this section, green economy jobs include those in the primary industries of a green economy including clean energy, high-efficiency building, green transportation, and environmental protection. Prioritization efforts may include but are not limited to: (a) Prioritization of the use of high employer-demand funding for workforce training programs in green economy jobs, if the programs meet minimum criteria for identification as a high-demand program of study as defined by the state board for community and technical colleges, however any additional community and technical college high-demand funding authorized for the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium and thereafter may be subject to prioritization; (b) increased outreach efforts to public utilities, education, labor, government, and private industry to develop tailored, green job training programs; and (c) increased outreach efforts to target populations. Outreach efforts shall be conducted in partnership with local workforce development councils.
(7) The definitions in RCW 43.330.010 apply to this section and RCW 28B.50.282.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2009; 2017 c 39 s 1; 2009 c 536 s 9.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) The leadership team was created in 2009 c 536 s 3, which was vetoed.
**(2) Section 7 of this act was vetoed.
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Short title—2009 c 536: See note following RCW 43.330.370.

catchline: Curriculum development and funding—Use of federal stimulus funding—Reports—Recognized programs of study under RCW 28B.50.273—Prioritization of workforce training programs.


title: RCW 28B.50.282

text:
The evergreen jobs training account is created in the state treasury. Funds deposited to the account may include gifts, grants, or endowments from public or private sources, in trust or otherwise. Moneys from the account must be used to supplement the state opportunity grant program established under RCW 28B.50.271. All receipts from appropriations directed to the account must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the activities identified in this section. The state board, in consultation with the department and the *leadership team, may authorize expenditures from the account but must distribute grants from the account on a competitive basis. Grant funds from the evergreen jobs training account should be used when other public or private funds are insufficient or unavailable.
(1) These grant funds may be used for, but are not limited to uses for:
(a) Curriculum development;
(b) Transitional jobs strategies for dislocated workers in declining industries who may be retrained for high-wage occupations in green industries;
(c) Workforce education to target populations;
(d) Adult basic and remedial education as necessary linked to occupation skills training; and
(e) Coordinated outreach efforts by institutions of higher education and workforce development councils.
(2) These grant funds may not be used for student assistance and support services available through the state opportunity grant program under RCW 28B.50.271.
(3) Applicants eligible to receive these grants may be any organization or a partnership of organizations that has demonstrated expertise in:
(a) Implementing effective education and training programs that meet industry demand; and
(b) Recruiting and supporting, to successful completion of those training programs carried out under these grants, the target populations of workers.
(4) In awarding grants from the evergreen jobs training account, the state board shall give priority to applicants that demonstrate the ability to:
(a) Use labor market and industry analysis developed by the employment security department and green industry skill panels in the design and delivery of the relevant education and training program, and otherwise use strategies developed by green industry skill panels;
(b) Leverage and align existing public programs and resources and private resources toward the goal of recruiting, supporting, educating, and training target populations of workers;
(c) Work collaboratively with other relevant stakeholders in the regional economy;
(d) Link adult basic and remedial education, where necessary, with occupation skills training;
(e) Involve employers and, where applicable, labor unions in the determination of relevant skills and competencies and, where relevant, the validation of career pathways; and
(f) Ensure that supportive services, where necessary, are integrated with education and training and are delivered by organizations with direct access to and experience with the targeted population of workers.
[ 2009 c 536 s 10.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The leadership team was created in 2009 c 536 s 3, which was vetoed.
Short title—2009 c 536: See note following RCW 43.330.370.

catchline: Evergreen jobs training account—Grants.


title: RCW 28B.50.295

text:
(1)(a) Subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the emergency assistance grant program is established to provide students of community and technical colleges monetary aid to assist students experiencing unforeseen emergencies or situations that affect the student's ability to attend classes.
(b) The college board shall administer the competitive grant program in accordance with this section.
(2) The college board shall establish eligibility criteria for community and technical colleges to apply for grants under the grant program. At a minimum, to be eligible for a grant, a community or technical college must:
(a) Demonstrate the need for grant funds. Demonstrating need may include producing demographic data on student income levels, the number of students experiencing food insecurity or homelessness, the number of students who meet the definition of "needy student" under *RCW 28B.92.030, the number of students accessing the college's food pantry, if one is available, and other information specific to the student population;
(b) Ensure that students' access to emergency aid funds will be as low barrier as possible and will not require the student to have to fill out the free application for federal student aid to receive emergency funds. However, the college must require the student to request assistance in writing;
(c) Allow flexibility in which students may apply for emergency aid funds. Students who may not meet the definition of "needy student" but who may be experiencing emergency situations must be able to apply for emergency aid funds; and
(d) Indicate how the college will prioritize the disbursement of emergency aid funds.
(3) In selecting grant recipients, the college board must consider a community or technical college's demonstration of need and the resources and programs already in existence at the college.
(4) A community or technical college shall use grant funds to provide students emergency aid in the form of monetary grants to assist the student in, for example, purchasing food, paying utilities or rent, paying for transportation, child care, or other goods or services that the student needs in order to continue to attend classes. Emergency aid under the grant program is considered a grant and a student is not required to reimburse the community or technical college.
(5) The college board must begin accepting applications for the grant program by December 1, 2019.
(6) The college board shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature beginning December 1, 2020, and each December 1st thereafter. At a minimum, the report must:
(a) Identify the community and technical colleges receiving grants and the amounts of the grants; and
(b) Summarize how the community and technical colleges distributed funds to students, and provide the number of students, the amounts, and the emergency conditions for which funds were granted.
[ 2019 c 407 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 28B.92.030 was amended by 2019 c 406 s 21, deleting the definition of "needy student."
Findings—Intent—2019 c 407: "(1) The legislature finds that students who receive supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits in the form of an electronic benefit transfer card cannot use these benefits to purchase food items from on-campus food retail establishments at institutions of higher education. On-campus food retail establishments or point-of-sale locations such as cafeterias, bookstores, and cafes do not qualify as retail food stores under the federal food and nutrition act of 2008 because these on-campus food retail establishments either do not sell enough categories of staple foods or do not gross over fifty percent of their total sales from staple foods.
(2) The legislature recognizes that students perform better in classes when they are well-nourished, yet finds that students who receive supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits have to travel off campus to use their benefits at a participating vendor, incurring extra travel costs, reducing study time, and causing unnecessary stress.
(3) The legislature finds that this limitation on the use of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits is a barrier that prevents public and private institutions of higher education from providing equal access to food retail establishments on campuses to all students, faculty, and staff regardless of economic status. The legislature recognizes that eliminating this barrier is vital to assuring equal access to every aspect of Washington's public and private institutions of higher education.
(4) The legislature intends to have the department of social and health services request a waiver from the United States department of agriculture to allow students to use their electronic benefit transfer card at on-campus food retail establishments at Washington's public and private institutions of higher education." [ 2019 c 407 s 2.]
Conflict with federal requirements—2019 c 407: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state." [ 2019 c 407 s 6.]

catchline: Emergency assistance grant program.


title: RCW 28B.50.305

text:
The legislature finds that a vocational institute in the central area of the city of Seattle provides civic, social, and economic benefits to the people of the state of Washington. Economic development is enhanced by increasing the number of skilled individuals who enter the labor market and social welfare costs are reduced by the training of individuals lacking marketable skills. The students at the institute are historically economically disadvantaged, and include racial and ethnic minorities, recent immigrants, single-parent heads of households, and persons who are dislocated workers or without specific occupational skills. The institute presents a unique opportunity for business, labor, and community-based organizations, and educators to work together to provide effective vocational-technical training to the economically disadvantaged of urban Seattle, and to serve as a national model of such cooperation. Moreover, a trained workforce is a major factor in attracting new employers, and with greater minority participation in the workforce, the institute is uniquely located to deliver training and education to the individuals employers must increasingly turn to for their future workers.
[ 1991 c 238 s 93.]

catchline: Seattle Vocational Institute—Findings.


title: RCW 28B.50.306

text:
The mission of the institute shall be to provide occupational, basic skills, and literacy education opportunities to economically disadvantaged populations in urban areas of the college district it serves. The mission shall be achieved primarily through open-entry, open-exit, short-term, competency-based basic skill, and job training programs targeted primarily to adults. The board of trustees of the sixth college district shall appoint a nine-member advisory committee consisting of equal representation from business, labor, and community representatives to provide advice and counsel to the administration of the institute and the district administration.
[ 1991 c 238 s 100.]

catchline: Seattle Vocational Institute—Mission—Advisory committee to advise.


title: RCW 28B.50.307

text:
Funding for the institute shall be included in a separate allocation to the sixth college district, and funds allocated for the institute shall be used only for purposes of the institute.
[ 1991 c 238 s 101.]

catchline: Seattle Vocational Institute—Funding.


title: RCW 28B.50.320

text:
All operating fees, services and activities fees, and all other income which the trustees are authorized to impose shall be deposited as the trustees may direct unless otherwise provided by law. Such sums of money shall be subject to the budgetary and audit provisions of law applicable to state agencies. The depository selected by the trustees shall conform to the collateral requirements required for deposit of other state funds.
Disbursement shall be made by check signed by the president of the college or the president's designee appointed in writing, and such other person as may be designated by the board of trustees of the college district. Each person authorized to sign as provided above, shall execute a surety bond as provided in RCW 43.17.100. Said bond or bonds shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state.
[ 1991 c 238 s 47; 1971 ex.s. c 279 s 17; 1970 ex.s. c 59 s 4; 1969 ex.s. c 238 s 5; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.320. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 32.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 59: See note following RCW 28B.15.520.

catchline: Fees and other income—Deposit—Disbursement.


title: RCW 28B.50.328

text:
The district may provide for waivers of tuition and fees and provide scholarships for students at the institute. The district may negotiate with applicable public or private service providers to conduct the instructional activities of the institute. The district may employ instructional staff or faculty. The district may also contract with private individuals for instructional services. Until at least July 1, 1993, all faculty and staff serve at the pleasure of the district. In order to allow the district flexibility in its personnel policies with the institute, the district and the institute, with reference to employees of the institute employed during an initial two-year period until July 1, 1993, are exempt from chapters *28B.16, 28B.52 (relating to collective bargaining), 41.04, 41.05, 41.06, and 41.40 RCW; from RCW 43.01.040 through 43.01.044; and from RCW 28B.50.551 and 28B.50.850 through 28B.50.875 (relating to faculty tenure).
[ 1991 c 238 s 103.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 28B.16 RCW was repealed by 1993 c 281, with the exception of RCW 28B.16.015 and 28B.16.240, which was recodified as RCW 41.06.382. The powers, duties, and functions of the state higher education personnel board were transferred to the Washington personnel resources board. RCW 28B.16.015 and 41.06.382 were subsequently repealed by 2002 c 354 s 403, effective July 1, 2005.

catchline: Waivers of tuition and fees—Scholarships—Employment of instructional staff and faculty—Seattle Vocational Institute.


title: RCW 28B.50.330

text:
(1) The boards of trustees of college districts are empowered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to provide for the construction, reconstruction, erection, equipping, demolition, and major alterations of buildings and other capital assets, and the acquisition of sites, rights-of-way, easements, improvements, or appurtenances for the use of the aforementioned colleges as authorized by the college board in accordance with RCW 28B.50.140; to be financed by bonds payable out of special funds from revenues hereafter derived from income received from such facilities, gifts, bequests, or grants, and such additional funds as the legislature may provide, and payable out of a bond retirement fund to be established by the respective district boards in accordance with rules of the state board. With respect to building, improvements, or repairs, or other work, where the estimated cost exceeds $110,000, or $90,000 if the work involves one trade or craft area, complete plans and specifications for the work shall be prepared, the work shall be put out for a public bid, and the contract shall be awarded to the responsible bidder who submits the lowest responsive bid. Any project regardless of dollar amount may be put to public bid.
(2) This section does not apply when a contract is awarded by the small works roster procedure authorized in RCW 39.04.151 through 39.04.154.
(3) Where the estimated cost to any college of any building, improvements, or repairs, or other work, is less than $110,000, or $90,000 if the work involves one trade or craft area, the publication requirements of RCW 39.04.020 do not apply.
[ 2023 c 395 s 19; 2023 c 97 s 2; 2009 c 229 s 1; 2007 c 495 s 2; 1993 c 379 s 108; 1991 c 238 s 48; 1979 ex.s. c 12 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.330. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 33. Formerly RCW 28.85.330.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2023 c 97 s 2 and by 2023 c 395 s 19, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2023 c 395 ss 1-30, 32-34, 36, and 37: See note following RCW 39.04.010.
Findings—Intent—2023 c 395: See note following RCW 39.04.010.
Intent—Severability—Effective date—1993 c 379: See notes following RCW 28B.10.029.
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 12: See note following RCW 28B.10.350.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community and technical college facilities and acquisition of property—Revenue bond financing—Public bid.


title: RCW 28B.50.340

text:
In addition to the powers conferred under RCW 28B.50.090, the college board is authorized and shall have the power:
(1) To permit the district boards of trustees to contract for the construction, reconstruction, erection, equipping, maintenance, demolition and major alterations of buildings and other capital assets, and the acquisition of sites, rights-of-way, easements, improvements or appurtenances of the college as approved by the state board.
(2) To finance the same by the issuance of bonds secured by the pledge of up to one hundred percent of the building fees.
(3) Without limitation of the foregoing, to accept grants from the United States government, or any federal or state agency or instrumentality, or private corporation, association, or person to aid in defraying the costs of any such projects.
(4) To retain bond counsel and professional bond consultants to aid it in issuing bonds pursuant to RCW 28B.50.340 through 28B.50.400.
[ 1991 c 238 s 49; 1985 c 390 s 54; 1971 ex.s. c 279 s 18; 1970 ex.s. c 15 s 18. Prior: 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 26; 1969 ex.s. c 238 s 6; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.340; prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 34.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 15: See note following RCW 28A.230.160.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community and technical college facilities and acquisition of property—Financing by bonds secured by pledge of building fees, grants.


title: RCW 28B.50.350

text:
For the purpose of financing the cost of any projects, the college board is hereby authorized to adopt the resolution or resolutions and prepare all other documents necessary for the issuance, sale, and delivery of the bonds or any part thereof at such time or times as it shall deem necessary and advisable. Said bonds:
(1) Shall not constitute:
(a) An obligation, either general or special, of the state; or
(b) A general obligation of the college or of the college board;
(2) Shall be:
(a) Either registered or in coupon form; and
(b) Issued in denominations of not less than one hundred dollars; and
(c) Fully negotiable instruments under the laws of this state; and
(d) Signed on behalf of the college board with the manual or facsimile signature of the chair of the board, attested by the secretary of the board, have the seal of the college board impressed thereon or a facsimile of such seal printed or lithographed in the bottom border thereof, and the coupons attached thereto shall be signed with the facsimile signatures of such chair and the secretary;
(3) Shall state:
(a) The date of issue; and
(b) The series of the issue and be consecutively numbered within the series; and
(c) That the bond is payable both principal and interest solely out of the bond retirement fund created for retirement thereof;
(4) Each series of bonds shall bear interest, payable either annually or semiannually, as the board may determine;
(5) Shall be payable both principal and interest out of the bond retirement fund;
(6) Shall be payable at such times over a period of not to exceed forty years from date of issuance, at such place or places, and with such reserved rights of prior redemption, as the board may prescribe;
(7) Shall be sold in such manner and at such price as the board may prescribe;
(8) Shall be issued under and subject to such terms, conditions and covenants providing for the payment of the principal thereof and interest thereon and such other terms, conditions, covenants, and protective provisions safeguarding such payment, not inconsistent with RCW 28B.50.330 through 28B.50.400, and as found to be necessary by the board for the most advantageous sale thereof, which may include but not be limited to:
(a) A covenant that a reserve account shall be created in the bond retirement fund to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on all bonds issued and a provision made that certain amounts be set aside and maintained therein;
(b) A covenant that sufficient moneys may be transferred from the capital projects account of the college board issuing the bonds to the bond retirement fund of the college board when ordered by the board in the event there is ever an insufficient amount of money in the bond retirement fund to pay any installment of interest or principal and interest coming due on the bonds or any of them;
(c) A covenant fixing conditions under which bonds on a parity with any bonds outstanding may be issued.
The proceeds of the sale of all bonds, exclusive of accrued interest which shall be deposited in the bond retirement fund, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the capital projects account of the college board and shall be used solely for paying the costs of the projects, the costs of bond counsel and professional bond consultants incurred in issuing the bonds, and for the purposes set forth in subsection (8)(b) of this section;
(9) Shall constitute a prior lien and charge against the building fees of the community and technical colleges.
[ 2011 c 336 s 740; 1991 c 238 s 50; 1985 c 390 s 55; 1971 ex.s. c 279 s 19; 1971 c 8 s 2; 1970 ex.s. c 59 s 2; 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 32; 1970 ex.s. c 15 s 19; 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 27; 1969 ex.s. c 232 s 106; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.350. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 35.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 59: See note following RCW 28B.15.520.
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 15: See note following RCW 28A.230.160.
Validation—Saving—Severability—1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 39.52.020.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community and technical college facilities and acquisition of property—Bonds—Requirements.


title: RCW 28B.50.360

text:
Within 35 days from the date of start of each quarter all collected building fees of each such community and technical college shall be paid into the state treasury, and shall be credited as follows:
(1) On or before June 30th of each year the college board, if issuing bonds payable out of building fees, shall certify to the state treasurer the amounts required in the ensuing 12-month period to pay and secure the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds. The state treasurer shall thereupon deposit the amounts so certified in the community and technical college capital projects account. Such amounts of the funds deposited in the community and technical college capital projects account as are necessary to pay and secure the payment of the principal of and interest on the building bonds issued by the college board as authorized by this chapter shall be devoted to that purpose. If in any 12-month period it shall appear that the amount certified by the college board is insufficient to pay and secure the payment of the principal of and interest on the outstanding building bonds, the state treasurer shall notify the college board and such board shall adjust its certificate so that all requirements of moneys to pay and secure the payment of the principal and interest on all such bonds then outstanding shall be fully met at all times.
(2) The community and technical college capital projects account is hereby created in the state treasury. The sums deposited in the capital projects account shall be appropriated and expended to pay and secure the payment of the principal of and interest on bonds payable out of the building fees and for the construction, reconstruction, erection, equipping, maintenance, demolition and major alteration of buildings and other capital assets owned by the state board for community and technical colleges in the name of the state of Washington, and the acquisition of sites, rights-of-way, easements, improvements or appurtenances in relation thereto, engineering and architectural services provided by the department of enterprise services, and for the payment of principal of and interest on any bonds issued for such purposes. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, sums in the capital projects account may also be used for routine facility maintenance and utility costs. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of money in the community and technical colleges capital projects account to the institutions of higher education operating fees account.
(3) Funds available in the community and technical college capital projects account may also be used for certificates of participation under chapter 39.94 RCW.
[ 2026 c 268 s 911; 2025 c 414 s 8030; 2023 c 474 s 8028; 2021 c 332 s 7030; 2019 c 413 s 7028; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 955; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 3 s 7030; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 19 s 7031; 2011 1st sp.s. c 48 s 7025; 2009 c 499 s 6; 2005 c 488 s 922; 2004 c 277 s 910; 2002 c 238 s 303; 2000 c 65 s 1; 1997 c 42 s 1; 1991 sp.s. c 13 ss 47, 48; 1991 c 238 s 51. Prior: 1985 c 390 s 56; 1985 c 57 s 16; 1974 ex.s. c 112 s 4; 1971 ex.s. c 279 s 20; 1970 ex.s. c 15 s 20; prior: 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 28; 1969 ex.s. c 238 s 7; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.360; prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 36.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 268: See note following RCW 28B.15.210.
Effective date—2025 c 414: See note following RCW 79A.25.210.
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2023 c 474: See notes following RCW 28A.320.330.
Effective date—2021 c 332: See note following RCW 43.19.501.
Effective date—2019 c 413: See note following RCW 28B.15.210.
Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 43.41.455.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 43.160.080.
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 19: See note following RCW 43.34.080.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 48: See note following RCW 39.35B.050.
Part headings not law—2005 c 488: "Part headings in this act are not any part of the law." [ 2005 c 488 s 956.]
Severability—2005 c 488: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2005 c 488 s 958.]
Effective dates—2005 c 488: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 16, 2005], except for sections 920 and 921 of this act, which take effect June 30, 2005." [ 2005 c 488 s 959.]
Severability—Effective dates—2004 c 277: See notes following RCW 89.08.550.
Severability—Effective date—2002 c 238: See notes following RCW 28B.30.730.
Effective date—2000 c 65: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 22, 2000]." [ 2000 c 65 s 3.]
Effective dates—1991 sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 18.04.105.
Effective date—1985 c 57: See note following RCW 18.04.105.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 15: See note following RCW 28A.230.160.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community and technical college facilities and acquisition of property—Community and technical college capital projects account—Disposition of building fees.


title: RCW 28B.50.370

text:
For the purpose of paying and securing the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds as the same shall become due, there shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the bond retirement fund of the college board, the following:
(1) Amounts derived from building fees as are necessary to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and to secure the same;
(2) Any grants which may be made, or may become available for the purpose of furthering the construction of any authorized projects, or for the repayment of the costs thereof;
(3) Such additional funds as the legislature may provide.
Said bond retirement fund shall be kept segregated from all moneys in the state treasury and shall, while any of such bonds or any interest thereon remains unpaid, be available solely for the payment thereof. As a part of the contract of sale of such bonds, the college board shall charge and collect building fees as established by this chapter and deposit such fees in the bond retirement fund in amounts which will be sufficient to pay and secure the payment of the principal of, and interest on all such bonds outstanding.
[ 1991 c 238 s 52; 1985 c 390 s 57; 1971 ex.s. c 279 s 21; 1969 ex.s. c 238 s 8; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.370. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 37.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community and technical college facilities and acquisition of property—Bonds—Sources for payment of principal and interest on—Funds credited to bond retirement fund—Pledge to collect building fees.


title: RCW 28B.50.380

text:
In accordance with the provisions of RCW 28B.50.340 the college board is hereby empowered:
(1) To reserve the right to issue bonds later on a parity with any bonds being issued;
(2) To authorize the investing of moneys in the bond retirement fund and any reserve account therein;
(3) To authorize the transfer of money from the college board's capital projects account to the bond retirement fund when necessary to prevent a default in the payments required to be made; and
(4) To create a reserve account or accounts in the bond retirement fund to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on any bonds.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.380. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 38. Formerly RCW 28.85.380.]

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community college facilities and acquisition of property—Bonds—Additional powers incident to bond authorization.


title: RCW 28B.50.390

text:
The college board is hereby empowered to issue refunding bonds to provide funds to refund any or all outstanding bonds payable from the bond retirement fund and to pay any redemption premium payable on such outstanding bonds being refunded. Such refunding bonds may be issued in the manner and on terms and conditions and with the covenants permitted by RCW 28B.50.330 through 28B.50.400 for the issuance of bonds. The refunding bonds shall be payable out of the bond retirement fund and shall not constitute an obligation either general or special, of the state or a general obligation of the college board. The board may exchange the refunding bonds at par for the bonds which are being refunded or may sell them in such manner, at such price and at such rate or rates of interest as it deems for the best interest of the college.
[ 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 33; 1969 ex.s. c 232 s 107; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.390. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 39.]
Notes:
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Validation—Saving—Severability—1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 39.52.020.

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community college facilities and acquisition of property—Refunding bonds—Authorized—Form, term, issuance, etc.—Exchange or sale.


title: RCW 28B.50.400

text:
The bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of RCW 28B.50.330 through 28B.50.400 shall not be general obligations of the state of Washington, but shall be limited obligation bonds payable only from the special funds created for their payment. The legislature may specify additional means for providing funds for the payment of principal and interest of said bonds. RCW 28B.50.330 through 28B.50.400 shall not be deemed to provide an exclusive method for such payment. The power given to the legislature by this section to provide for additional means for raising money is permissive, and shall not in any way be construed as a pledge of the general credit of the state of Washington.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.400. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 40. Formerly RCW 28.85.400.]

catchline: Construction, reconstruction, equipping, and demolition of community college facilities and acquisition of property—Bonds as limited obligation bonds—Additional means to pay principal and interest on.


title: RCW 28B.50.409

text:
All bonds issued after February 16, 1974 by the college board or any board of trustees for any college district under provisions of chapter 28B.50 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, shall be issued by such boards only upon the prior advice and consent of the state finance committee.
[ 1991 c 238 s 56; 1974 ex.s. c 112 s 7.]

catchline: Bonds—Committee advice and consent prerequisite to issuance.


title: RCW 28B.50.440

text:
If any part of this chapter shall be found to be in conflict with federal requirements which are a condition precedent to the allocation of federal funds to the state, such conflicting part of this chapter is hereby declared to be inoperative solely to the extent of such conflict, and such findings or determination shall not affect the operation of the remainder of this chapter.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.440. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 44. Formerly RCW 28.85.440.]
Notes:
Federal funds, receipt of authorized: RCW 28B.50.520.

catchline: Construction of chapter when part thereof in conflict with federal requirements which are condition precedent to allocation of federal funds.


title: RCW 28B.50.455

text:
Each community and technical college shall comply with relevant federal requirements for implementing section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, and as thereafter amended, Title VI of the civil rights act of 1964, and as thereafter amended, and Title IX of education amendments of 1972, and as thereafter amended.
[ 2015 c 55 s 227; 1991 c 238 s 158.]

catchline: Compliance with section 504 of the federal rehabilitation act of 1973, Title VI of the civil rights act of 1964, and Title IX of the educational amendments of 1972.


title: RCW 28B.50.463

text:
A person who issues or uses a false academic credential is subject to RCW 28B.85.220 and 9A.60.070.
[ 2006 c 234 s 6.]

catchline: Use of false academic credentials—Penalties.


title: RCW 28B.50.465

text:
(1) Academic employees of community and technical college districts shall be provided an annual salary cost-of-living increase in accordance with this section.
(a) Every fiscal year each college district shall receive a cost-of-living allocation sufficient to increase academic employee salaries, including mandatory salary-related benefits, by the rate of the yearly increase in the cost-of-living index.
(b) A college district shall distribute its cost-of-living allocation for salaries and salary-related benefits in accordance with the district's salary schedules, collective bargaining agreements, and other compensation policies. No later than the end of the fiscal year, each college district shall certify to the college board that it has spent funds provided for cost-of-living increases on salaries and salary-related benefits.
(c) The college board shall include any funded cost-of-living increase in the salary base used to determine cost-of-living increases for academic employees in subsequent years.
(d) The state shall fully fund the cost-of-living increase set forth in this section.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Academic employee" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 28B.52.020.
(b) "Cost-of-living index" means, beginning with the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the implicit price deflator for the previous calendar year as of the beginning of the school year, using the official current base, compiled by the bureau of economic analysis, United States department of commerce.
[ 2025 c 344 s 1; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 5 s 2; 2011 1st sp.s. c 18 s 2; 2009 c 573 s 2; 2003 1st sp.s. c 20 s 3; 2001 c 4 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 732, approved November 7, 2000).]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 344: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2025." [ 2025 c 344 s 3.]
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 5: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 18: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Effective date—2009 c 573: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Severability—2001 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 732): See note following RCW 28A.400.205.


title: RCW 28B.50.468

text:
(1) Classified employees of technical colleges shall be provided an annual salary cost-of-living increase in accordance with this section. This section applies to only those classified employees under the jurisdiction of chapter 41.56 RCW.
(a) Every fiscal year each technical college board of trustees shall receive a cost-of-living allocation sufficient to increase classified employee salaries, including mandatory salary-related benefits, by the rate of the yearly increase in the cost-of-living index.
(b) A technical college board of trustees shall distribute its cost-of-living allocation for salaries and salary-related benefits in accordance with the technical college's salary schedules, collective bargaining agreements, and other compensation policies. No later than the end of the fiscal year, each technical college shall certify to the college board that it has spent funds provided for cost-of-living increases on salaries and salary-related benefits.
(c) The college board shall include any funded cost-of-living increase in the salary base used to determine cost-of-living increases for technical college classified employees in subsequent years.
(d) The state shall fully fund the cost-of-living increase set forth in this section.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Cost-of-living index" means, beginning with the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the implicit price deflator for the previous calendar year as of the beginning of the school year, using the official current base, compiled by the bureau of economic analysis, United States department of commerce.
(b) "Technical college" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 28B.50.030.
[ 2025 c 344 s 2; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 5 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 18 s 3; 2009 c 573 s 3; 2003 1st sp.s. c 20 s 4; 2001 c 4 s 4 (Initiative Measure No. 732, approved November 7, 2000).]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 344: See note following RCW 28B.50.465.
Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 5: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 18: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Effective date—2009 c 573: See note following RCW 28A.400.205.
Severability—2001 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 732): See note following RCW 28A.400.205.


title: RCW 28B.50.484

text:
The state employees' benefit board shall adopt rules to preclude any preexisting conditions or limitations in existing health care service contracts for school district employees at vocational-technical institutes transferred to the state board for community and technical colleges. The board shall also provide for the disposition of any dividends or refundable reserves in the school district's health care service contracts applicable to vocational-technical institute employees.
[ 1991 c 238 s 137.]

catchline: Health care service contracts—Transferred employees of vocational-technical institutes.


title: RCW 28B.50.489

text:
For the purposes of determining eligibility of state-mandated insurance, retirement benefits under RCW 28B.10.400, and sick leave for part-time academic employees in community and technical colleges, the following definitions shall be used:
(1) "Full-time academic workload" means the number of in-class teaching hours that a full-time instructor must teach to fulfill his or her employment obligations in a given discipline in a given college. If full-time academic workload is defined in a contract adopted through the collective bargaining process, that definition shall prevail. If the full-time workload bargained in a contract includes more than in-class teaching hours, only that portion that is in-class teaching hours may be considered academic workload.
(2) "In-class teaching hours" means contact classroom and lab hours in which full or part-time academic employees are performing contractually assigned teaching duties. The in-class teaching hours shall not include any duties performed in support of, or in addition to, those contractually assigned in-class teaching hours.
(3) "Academic employee" in a community or technical college means any teacher, counselor, librarian, or department head who is employed by a college district, whether full or part-time, with the exception of the chief administrative officer of, and any administrator in, each college district.
(4) "Part-time academic workload" means any percentage of a full-time academic workload for which the part-time academic employee is not paid on the full-time academic salary schedule.
[ 2000 c 128 s 2; 1996 c 120 s 1.]
Notes:
Construction—2000 c 128: See note following RCW 28B.52.220.

catchline: Part-time academic employees—State-mandated benefits—Definitions.


title: RCW 28B.50.4891

text:
For the purposes of determining eligibility for receipt of state-mandated benefits for part-time academic employees at community and technical colleges, each institution shall report to the appropriate agencies the names of eligible part-time academic employees who qualify for benefits based on calculating the hours worked by part-time academic employees as a percentage of the part-time academic workload to the full-time academic workload in a given discipline in a given institution.
[ 1996 c 120 s 2.]

catchline: Part-time academic employees—State-mandated benefits—Reporting eligible employees.


title: RCW 28B.50.4892

text:
(1) The legislature finds that community colleges and technical colleges have an obligation to carry out their roles and missions in an equitable fashion. The legislature also finds that governing boards for community colleges and technical colleges have a responsibility to provide leadership and guidance to their colleges in the equitable treatment of part-time faculty teaching in the community and technical colleges.
(2) The state board for community and technical colleges shall convene a task force to conduct a review and update of the best practices audit of compensation packages and conditions of employment for part-time faculty in the community and technical college system conducted in 1996 and reported on in 1998. The task force shall include but need not be limited to part-time faculty, full-time faculty, members of the state board, community college administrators, and members of community college and technical college governing boards. In performing the review and update of the audit, the task force shall focus on the employment of part-time faculty, and shall include the following issues in its deliberations: Salary issues, provision of health and retirement benefits, the implications of increased reliance on part-time rather than full-time faculty, the implications of workload definitions, and tangible and intangible ways to recognize the professional stature of part-time faculty.
(3) The task force shall report its findings to the state board, local governing boards, and other interested parties by December 1, 2005. The report shall include recommendations on a review of the status of the set of best practices principles for the colleges to follow in their employment of part-time faculty developed in 1996. The state board for community and technical colleges shall adopt and periodically update a set of best practices principles for colleges in the community and technical college system to follow in their employment of part-time faculty. The board shall use the best practices principles in the development of each biennial operating budget request. The board shall encourage and, to the extent possible, require each local governing board to adopt, revise, and implement the principles.
[ 2005 c 119 s 2; 1996 c 120 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2005 c 119: "The legislature finds that:
(1) The part-time faculty in the community and technical colleges provide a valuable contribution to quality instruction;
(2) The part-time faculty are essential to the success of the open access opportunities provided by the two-year colleges to the citizens of Washington;
(3) The two-year colleges employ a core of skilled, well-trained faculty whose contributions are critical to the quality and breadth of program offerings;
(4) The community and technical colleges have an essential role in educating and retraining high-skilled workers who are vital to the economic health of the communities of Washington;
(5) It is vital to attract and retain highly skilled faculty capable of preparing students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities and for the workforce;
(6) Low and stagnating salaries as well as the lack of career advancement options for part-time faculty are detrimental to the morale of all faculty;
(7) Part-time faculty contribute to the learning environment offered to the students through advising and attention that all good educators bring to their profession; and
(8) Although progress has been made since the initial work of the best practices task force in 1996, additional progress needs to be made to improve and implement best practices for part-time community and technical college faculty." [ 2005 c 119 s 1.]

catchline: Part-time academic employees—Best practices compensation and employment—Task force—Report.


title: RCW 28B.50.4893

text:
(1) Part-time academic employees of community and technical colleges shall receive sick leave to be used for the same illnesses, injuries, bereavement, and emergencies as full-time academic employees at the college in proportion to the individual's teaching commitment at the college.
(2) The provisions of RCW 41.04.665 shall apply to leave sharing for part-time academic employees who accrue sick leave under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The provisions of RCW 28B.50.553 shall apply to remuneration for unused sick leave for part-time academic employees who accrue sick leave under subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2000 c 128 s 1.]
Notes:
Construction—2000 c 128: See note following RCW 28B.52.220.

catchline: Part-time academic employees—Sick leave.


title: RCW 28B.50.4894

text:
Health care benefits for part-time academic employees are governed by *RCW 41.05.053.
[ 2006 c 308 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 41.05.053 was repealed by 2009 c 537 s 8, effective January 1, 2010.

catchline: Part-time academic employees—Continuous health care eligibility—Employer contributions.


title: RCW 28B.50.510

text: See RCW 39.26.080 and 39.26.090.

catchline: State purchasing and material control, community college purchases.


title: RCW 28B.50.515

text:
(1) The community and technical college innovation account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from operating fees in RCW 28B.15.031(2) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only as provided in subsection (2) of this section. Only the director of the college board or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
(2) Funds in the community and technical college innovation account may be used solely to:
(a) Pay and secure the payment of the principal of and interest on financing contracts, such as certificates of participation issued for the innovation account under chapter 39.94 RCW and authorized by the legislature; and
(b) Implement the college board's strategic technology plan to improve student achievement, student services, and increase systemwide administrative efficiencies. The college board must approve projects under the strategic technology plan to improve student achievement, student services, and increase systemwide administrative efficiencies before the director authorizes expenditures to be made. For large enterprise resource planning projects, the college board shall develop a technical and operational business plan and submit it to the legislature for approval before the project can be implemented.
(3) Consistent with the implementation of the strategic technology plan, the college board and the community and technical colleges shall engage in substantial business process reengineering and adopt systemwide approaches to admissions, financial aid, student identification numbers, student transcripts, and other systemwide processes.
(4) If the community and technical college system pursues an enterprise resource planning solution, they shall consider adoption of existing solutions already deployed at institutions of higher education in the state; short and long-term total costs of ownership; opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, coordination and consolidation with other entities in higher education; technical flexibility; and other requirements that support costs efficiencies. If the college board adopts a plan for an enterprise solution that is not coordinated with other institutions of higher education, authorization of expenditure of funds by the legislature must be approved by the office of financial management.
[ 2011 c 274 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2011 c 274: "(1) The legislature finds that the community and technical college system mission to ensure affordable access to higher education geographically distributed throughout the state is aligned with innovative approaches to learning and substantial efficiencies that have been implemented since the legislature established the system in 1967. Systemic approaches include a common accounting system, a common administrative computing system, a single system budget request for operating and capital expenses, and common course numbering. Innovative approaches include the system's e-learning platform, the adoption of open educational resources, and the adoption of lecture-capture tools that allow students to replay lectures, review classroom materials, and distribute outstanding instruction via the web anytime, anywhere.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature to further enhance the community and technical college system by making the maximum use of technologies to:
(a) Help dismantle the barriers of geographic isolation, cost, competing demands of work and family life, and past educational failure;
(b) Create a system for learning that is welcoming to all, easy to enter and use, and tailored to the needs of each learner; and
(c) Foster personal relationships and support all students and their families to learn and thrive." [ 2011 c 274 s 1.]

catchline: Community and technical college innovation account—Expenditures—Strategic technology plan—Enterprise resource planning.


title: RCW 28B.50.520

text:
The college board or any board of trustees is authorized to receive federal funds made available for the assistance of community and technical colleges, and providing physical facilities, maintenance or operation of schools, or for any educational purposes, according to the provisions of the acts of congress making such funds available.
[ 1991 c 238 s 57; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.520. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 52. Formerly RCW 28.85.520.]
Notes:
Construction of chapter when part thereof in conflict with federal requirements which are condition precedent to allocation of federal funds: RCW 28B.50.440.

catchline: Federal funds, receipt of authorized.


title: RCW 28B.50.522

text:
The college board personnel administering state and federally funded programs for adult basic skills and literacy education shall be known as the state office for adult literacy.
[ 1991 c 238 s 92.]

catchline: Office for adult literacy.


title: RCW 28B.50.528

text:
If a technical college is created after September 1, 1991, that college may contract with an adjacent college district for administrative services until such time that an existing or new college district may assume jurisdiction over the college.
[ 1991 c 238 s 139.]

catchline: Contracts with adjacent college district for administrative services.


title: RCW 28B.50.530

text:
The district boards of trustees and the common school boards are hereby authorized to enter into agreements for the use by either of the other's services, facilities or equipment and for the presentation of courses of either for students of the other where such agreements are deemed to be in the best interests of the education of the students involved.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28B.50.530. Prior: 1967 ex.s. c 8 s 53. Formerly RCW 28.85.530.]
Notes:
Community education programs: RCW 28A.620.020.

catchline: Agreements for use of services or facilities between district boards of trustees and school boards.


title: RCW 28B.50.531

text:
(1) It is the legislature's intent to recognize and support the work of community and technical colleges, high schools, and skill centers in creating articulation and dual credit agreements for career and technical education students, in part by codifying current practice.
(2) Community and technical colleges shall create agreements with high schools and skill centers to offer dual high school and college credit for secondary career and technical courses. Agreements shall be subject to approval by the chief instructional officer of the college and the principal and the career and technical education director of the high school or the executive director of the skill center.
(3) Community and technical colleges may create dual credit agreements with high schools and skill centers that are located outside the college district boundary or service area.
(4) If a community or technical college has created an agreement with a high school or skill center to offer college credit for a secondary career and technical course, all community and technical colleges shall accept the course for an equal amount of college credit.
[ 2008 c 170 s 108.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 170: See RCW 28A.700.005.

catchline: Dual high school and college credit for secondary career and technical courses—Agreements.


title: RCW 28B.50.532

text:
(1) A community or technical college may enter into an agreement with a skill center within the college district to allow students who have completed a high school diploma to remain enrolled in the skill center in courses necessary to complete an industry certificate or credential in the student's career and technical program as provided by RCW 28A.245.080.
(2) Before entering an agreement, a community or technical college may require the skill center to provide evidence that:
(a) The skill center has adequate facilities and capacity to offer the necessary courses and the community or technical college does not have adequate facilities or capacity; or
(b) The community or technical college does not offer the particular industry certificate program or courses proposed by the skill center.
(3) Under the terms of the agreement, the community or technical college shall report the enrolled student as a state-supported student and may charge the student tuition and fees. The college shall transmit to the skill center an agreed-upon amount per enrolled full-time equivalent student to pay for the student's courses at the skill center.
[ 2008 c 170 s 305.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 170: See RCW 28A.700.005.

catchline: Completion of industry certificate or credential—Agreements with skill centers.


title: RCW 28B.50.533

text:
Community and technical colleges may contract with local common school districts to provide occupational and academic programs for high school students. Common school districts whose students currently attend vocational-technical institutes shall not suffer loss of opportunity to continue to enroll their students at technical colleges.
For the purposes of this section, "opportunity to enroll" includes, but is not limited to, the opportunity of common school districts to enroll the same number of high school students enrolled at each vocational-technical institute during the period July 1, 1989, through June 30, 1990, and the opportunity for common school districts to increase enrollments of high school students at each technical college in proportion to annual increases in enrollment within the school districts participating on September 1, 1991. Technical colleges shall offer programs which are accessible to high school students to at least the extent that existed during the period July 1, 1989, through June 30, 1990, and to the extent necessary to accommodate proportional annual growth in enrollments of high school students within school districts participating on September 1, 1991. Accommodating such annual increases in enrollment or program offerings shall be the first priority within technical colleges subject to any enrollment or budgetary restrictions. Technical colleges shall not charge tuition or student services and activities fees to high school students enrolled in the college.
Technical colleges may enter into interlocal agreements with local school districts to provide instruction in courses required for high school graduation, basic skills, and literacy training for students enrolled in technical college programs.
[ 1991 c 238 s 82.]

catchline: Contracts with common school districts for occupational and academic programs for high school students—Enrollment opportunities—Interlocal agreements.


title: RCW 28B.50.535

text:
A community or technical college may issue a high school diploma or certificate as provided under this section.
(1) An individual who satisfactorily meets the requirements for high school completion shall be awarded a diploma from the college, subject to rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction and the state board of education.
(2) An individual sixteen years or older or enrolled through the option established under RCW 28A.600.310 through 28A.600.400, who satisfactorily completes an associate degree through a community or technical college, including an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, associate of technology degree, or associate in applied science degree, shall be awarded a diploma from the college upon written request from the student. Individuals under twenty-one years of age under this subsection are eligible for funding provided under chapter 28A.150 RCW.
[ 2019 c 269 s 1; 2017 c 93 s 1; 2009 c 524 s 2; 2007 c 355 s 2; 1991 c 238 s 58; 1969 ex.s. c 261 s 30.]
Notes:
Intent—2009 c 524: "The legislature has previously affirmed the value of career and technical education, particularly in programs that lead to nationally recognized certification. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills to become responsible citizens and contribute to their own economic well-being and that of their families and communities, which is the goal of education in the public schools. The legislature has also previously affirmed the value of dual enrollment in college and high school programs that can lead to both an associate degree and a high school diploma. Therefore, the legislature intends to maximize students' options and choices for completing high school by awarding diplomas to students who complete these valuable postsecondary programs." [ 2009 c 524 s 1.]
Finding—Intent—2007 c 355: "The legislature finds that the goal of Washington's education reform is for all students to meet rigorous academic standards so that they are prepared for success in college, work, and life. Educators know that not all students learn at the same rate or in the same way. Some students will take longer to meet the state's standards for high school graduation. Older students who cannot graduate with their peers need an appropriate learning environment and flexible programming that enables them simultaneously to earn a diploma, work, and pursue other training options. Providing learning options in locations in addition to high schools will encourage older students to complete their diplomas. Therefore the legislature intends to create a pilot high school completion program at two community and technical colleges for older students who have not yet received a diploma but are eligible for state basic education support." [ 2007 c 355 s 1.]
Severability—1969 ex.s. c 261: See note following RCW 28B.50.020.

catchline: Community or technical college—Issuance of high school diploma or certificate.


title: RCW 28B.50.536

text:
(1) Subject to rules adopted by the state board of education under RCW 28A.305.190, the state board for community and technical colleges shall adopt rules governing the eligibility of persons sixteen years of age and older to take a test to earn a high school equivalency certificate, rules governing the administration of the test, and rules governing the issuance of a high school equivalency certificate to persons who successfully complete the test.
(2) A high school equivalency certificate is a certificate issued jointly by the college board and the office of the superintendent of public instruction that indicates that the holder has attained standard scores at or above the minimum proficiency level prescribed by the college board on a high school equivalency test. The college board must identify and accept a high school equivalency test that is at least as rigorous as the general educational development test. The high school equivalency test identified by the college board must cover reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies subject areas.
(3) High school equivalency certificates issued under this section shall be issued in such form and substance as agreed upon by the state board for community and technical colleges and superintendent of public instruction.
[ 2013 c 39 s 9; 1993 c 218 s 3.]

catchline: Test to earn a high school equivalency certificate—Rules—Issuance of high school equivalency certificate.


title: RCW 28B.50.551

text:
The board of trustees of each college district shall adopt for each community and technical college under its jurisdiction written policies on granting leaves to employees of the district and those colleges, including but not limited to leaves for attendance at official or private institutions and conferences; professional leaves for personnel consistent with the provisions of RCW 28B.10.650; leaves for illness, injury, bereavement, and emergencies, consistent with RCW 28B.50.4893, and except as otherwise in this section provided, all with such compensation as the board of trustees may prescribe, except that the board shall grant to all such persons leave with full compensation for illness, injury, bereavement and emergencies as follows:
(1) For persons under contract to be employed, or otherwise employed, for at least three quarters, not more than twelve days per year, commencing with the first day on which work is to be performed; provisions of any contract in force on June 12, 1980, which conflict with requirements of this subsection shall continue in effect until contract expiration; after expiration, any new contract executed between the parties shall be consistent with this subsection;
(2)(a) Such leave entitlement may be accumulated after the first three-quarter period of employment for full-time employees, and may be taken at any time;
(b) For part-time academic employees, such leave entitlement shall be accumulated after the first quarter of employment by a college district or the first quarter after June 8, 2000, whichever is later, and may be taken at any time;
(3) Leave for illness, injury, bereavement and emergencies heretofore accumulated pursuant to law, rule, regulation or policy by persons presently employed by college districts and community and technical colleges shall be added to such leave accumulated under this section;
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this section or other law, accumulated leave under this section not taken at the time such person retires or ceases to be employed by college districts or community and technical colleges shall not be compensable;
(5) Accumulated leave for illness, injury, bereavement and emergencies shall be transferred from one college district to another or between a college district and the following: Any state agency, any educational service district, any school district, or any other institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016;
(6) Leave accumulated by a person in a college district or community and technical college prior to leaving that district or college may, under the policy of the board of trustees, be granted to such person when he or she returns to the employment of that district or college; and
(7) Employees of the Seattle Vocational Institute are exempt from this section until July 1, 1993.
[ 2006 c 243 s 1; 2000 c 128 s 3; 1995 c 119 s 1; 1991 c 238 s 59; 1980 c 182 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 173 s 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 275 s 148; 1973 c 62 s 22; 1969 ex.s. c 283 s 7. Formerly RCW 28.85.551.]
Notes:
Application—2006 c 243: "This act applies only to leave accumulated on or after June 7, 2006." [ 2006 c 243 s 2.]
Construction—2000 c 128: See note following RCW 28B.52.220.
Severability—1980 c 182: See note following RCW 41.04.340.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 173: See notes following RCW 28B.10.650.
Savings—Severability—1973 c 62: See notes following RCW 28B.10.510.
Severability—1969 ex.s. c 283: See note following RCW 28A.150.050.

catchline: Leave provisions.