Bill > HB2065

This bill addresses the rising administrative costs in higher education by mandating significant reductions in non-faculty administrative staff at Washington state institutions. The legislature found that since 1994, administrator-to-student ratios have increased by 245%, significantly outpacing faculty growth, which has led to higher education becoming less affordable. The bill requires each state institution of higher education to reduce its number of non-faculty exempt employees (administrative staff) to match 2008 levels by June 30, 2025, based on a proportional calculation of full-time equivalent students. Specific reduction targets are set for individual institutions, including the University of Washington (2,381 full-time equivalent employees), Washington State University (563 employees), and others, with corresponding reductions in state general fund appropriations. The bill aims to generate millions in taxpayer savings and make college more accessible by redirecting resources away from administrative bureaucracy and back to educational missions. The legislation is deemed an emergency measure and will take effect immediately, reflecting the legislature's urgency in addressing what it sees as unnecessary administrative growth in higher education.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2065&Year=2025&Initiative=false