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Bill

Bill

SB 5329

Addressing fees at campuses other than the main campus.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Holy and 3 co-sponsors

Bill regulates supplemental fees charged to students at university branch campuses to address equity concerns between main and satellite campus costs.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5329

Legislative bill overview

SB 5329 addresses fee structures at satellite or branch campuses operated by Washington's public universities. The bill aims to regulate how institutions charge students attending classes at locations other than the main campus, potentially capping or standardizing these supplemental fees.

Why is this important

Students at branch campuses often pay higher fees than main campus counterparts for the same degree programs, creating equity concerns. This bill addresses whether institutions can charge premium fees for off-campus instruction, affecting affordability and access to higher education across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional autonomy vs. student protection: Universities may argue they need flexibility to cover operational costs at satellite campuses, while advocates contend fees should be equitable across locations
  • Cost allocation complexity: Determining fair fee structures requires distinguishing legitimate operational differences between campuses from profit-motivated surcharges
  • Implementation challenges: The bill's lack of specific fee caps or formulas means regulations could be contentious and subject to ongoing disputes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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