WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Reykdal transparency measure approved by Senate

OLYMPIA: State Representative Chris Reykdal’s (D-Tumwater) legislation to shine a light upon service and activity fees in college tuition is headed to Governor Chris Gregoire’s desk. After passing the House in early February, HB 2352 was unanimously approved by the Senate last night.

College students in Washington are charged service and activity fees, in addition to their tuition. The funds collected from these fees pay for student activities, dormitories, parking, and other facilities. A service and activities fees committee sets the rates, as well as decides what programs and projects are priorities.

Rep. Reykdal’s legislation requires that institutions of higher education post service and activity fee expenditure information on their website each year.

“This is a common sense measure to improve transparency in our higher education system,” said Rep. Reykdal. “As tuition rises, so does the service and activity fee. Students deserve to see how their dollars are being spent, and this legislation ensures that information is easily-accessible on a regular basis.”

Rep. Reykdal expects the Governor to take action on the bill in the coming weeks, and the fee data will start appearing on college and university websites this fall.