Bill > HB1337

This bill addresses the appointment of presidents at public higher education institutions in Washington State by modifying existing laws to ensure more participatory and transparent leadership selection processes. The legislature recognizes that hiring university presidents is a matter of public interest and intends to enhance academic partnership by ensuring full participation of faculty, staff, and student representatives in the selection process. Specifically, the bill allows student and faculty members on university boards of regents and trustees to participate in the initial selection and hiring of a university president, which is an exception to their previous restrictions on voting about personnel matters. The bill applies to multiple state institutions, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and community and technical colleges. Student board members, who are typically full-time students selected annually by their associated student governments, will now have a more meaningful role in the presidential selection process. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the legislature's view that these changes are crucial for the immediate support of public higher education institutions.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1337&Year=2025&Initiative=false