This afternoon the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee held public hearings on a handful of bills that institutions of higher education argued would increase efficiencies and provide regulatory relief.

The institutions of higher education – including two-year and four-year public institutions – testified in support of Senate Bills SB 5516, SB 5517, and SB 5519

Senate Bill 5516 allows advance payments for equipment maintenance services for institutions of higher education. Specifically higher education institutions may make payments in advance for equipment maintenance services to be performed up to 60 months (5 years) after such payment.

Senate Bill 5517 exempts institutions of higher education that do not use archives and records management services from payment for those services.

Senate Bill 5519 changes public contracting authority. Specifically the bill removes the 2 percent target for higher education institution’s total goods and services be purchased each year from inmate programs. However, institutions must endeavor to purchase goods and services from correctional industries based on quality, service, delivery, and value. In addition the bill modifies various public contracting limits and procedures.

The Evergreen State College signed-in to support all three pieces of legislation. No further action is scheduled for these bills at this time.