HECB Rule-Making & WACs

The Washington State Legislature is responsible for making laws, formally known as the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Oftentimes the laws that they make require agencies to do something new or to change the way something is done. Agencies then develop processes and procedures for putting those laws into action. These processes and procedures are known as rules and are codified in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

At the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), most WACs focus on financial aid program management or authorization of institutions and degree programs.

Information about any upcoming rule-making hearings will be posted on this page.

If you have questions about rule-making procedures at the HECB, please review the following resources, or contact us at (360) 753-7800.

This page provided in accordance with the requirements of RCW 34.05.270.


Current HECB Rule-Making Activity:


Rule: WAC 250-61 Regulations for Degree Authorization Act

Rule overview: The Degree-Granting Institutions Act, chapter 28B.85 RCW, requires that degree-granting institutions operating in Washington obtain authorization from the Higher Education Coordinating Board unless specifically exempted from the authorization requirement by the act. This chapter is declared by the Board as a supplement to the act in order to establish necessary regulations for the authorization of degree-granting institutions. The purpose of the act is to ensure fair business practices and adequate quality among degree-granting institutions operating in the state of Washington and to protect citizens against substandard, fraudulent, and deceptive practices.

Change overview:

  • Increase or establish fees for initial degree authorization, degree authorization renewal, degree authorization reapplication, new program applications, and new site applications as previously authorized by the Washington State Legislature in the 2011-13 operating budget (2ESHB 1087).
  • Add definitions related to the establishment of new fees.
  • Create an exemption category for non-public degree-granting institutions recognized as Washington institutions by the Washington State legislature.

See draft rule changes.

Public hearing: January 30, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
917 Lakeridge Way SW, Olympia, Washington 98502
3rd floor conference room

Anticipated adoption by Board: March 29, 2012

 

For more information, contact:
Katie Youngers
Phone: 360.753.7859

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