House passes Stambaugh bill delinking services and activities fees from tuition
A bill that would allow college students to vote on whether or not to increase their own services and activities (S&A) fees was approved by the House Monday.
House Bill 1433, sponsored by 25th District Rep. Melanie Stambaugh, would delink the annual increase in S&A fees — which fund student activities and programs — from the percentage increase in college tuition.
Due to the Legislature freezing, then lowering tuition in recent years, college S&A fee committees — comprised mostly of students — have been unable to increase S&A fees on their own. Instead, state budget writers have authorized these committees to vote on whether or not to increase fees.
Stambaugh, R-Puyallup, says the students she’s talked to are grateful for the work the Legislature has done to lower tuition, but they have also expressed a desire to budget for themselves.
“This bill would remove budget writers from the process completely, giving our students the autonomy to make decisions based on campus and student needs,” said Stambaugh. “We should trust them to accomplish this important work without any interference.”
House Bill 1433 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.