Subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.15.910, the governing boards of the community colleges may:

     (1)(a) Waive all or a portion of tuition fees and services and activities fees for:

     (i) Students nineteen years of age or older who are eligible for resident tuition and fee rates as defined in RCW 28B.15.012 through 28B.15.015, who enroll in a course of study or program which will enable them to finish their high school education and obtain a high school diploma or certificate, but who are not eligible students as defined by RCW 28A.600.405; and shall waive all of tuition fees and services and activities fees for:

     (ii) Children of any law enforcement officer as defined in chapter 41.26 RCW, firefighter as defined in chapter 41.26 or 41.24 RCW, or Washington state patrol officer who lost his or her life or became totally disabled in the line of duty while employed by any public law enforcement agency or full time or volunteer fire department in this state: PROVIDED, That such persons may receive the waiver only if they begin their course of study at a community college within ten years of their graduation from high school; and

     (iii) Surviving spouses of any law enforcement officer as defined in chapter 41.26 RCW, firefighter as defined in chapter 41.26 or 41.24 RCW, or Washington state patrol officer who lost his or her life or became totally disabled in the line of duty while employed by any public law enforcement agency or full time or volunteer fire department in this state.

     (b) The governing boards of the community colleges shall report to the state board for community and technical colleges on the annual cost of tuition fees and services and activities fees waived for surviving spouses and children under parts (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection. The state board for community and technical colleges shall consolidate the reports of the waived fees and annually report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the legislature;

     (2) Waive all or a portion of the nonresident tuition fees differential for:

     (a) Nonresident students enrolled in a community college course of study or program which will enable them to finish their high school education and obtain a high school diploma or certificate but who are not eligible students as defined by RCW 28A.600.405. The waiver shall be in effect only for those courses which lead to a high school diploma or certificate; and

     (b) Up to forty percent of the students enrolled in the regional education program for deaf students, subject to federal funding of such program.

[2010 c 261 § 5; 2007 c 355 § 6; 1993 sp.s. c 18 § 16; 1992 c 231 § 12; 1990 c 154 § 2; 1987 c 390 § 1. Prior: 1985 c 390 § 26; 1985 c 198 § 1; 1982 1st ex.s. c 37 § 8; 1979 ex.s. c 148 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 191 § 2; 1971 ex.s. c 279 § 12; 1970 ex.s. c 59 § 8; 1969 ex.s. c 261 § 29. Formerly RCW 28.85.310, part.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Intent -- 2007 c 355: See note following RCW 28B.50.534.

     Effective date -- 1993 sp.s. c 18: See note following RCW 28B.12.060.

     Effective date -- 1992 c 231: See note following RCW 28B.10.016.

     Effective date -- Severability -- 1982 1st ex.s. c 37: See notes following RCW 28B.15.012.

     Effective date -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 191: See note following RCW 28B.15.380.

     Severability -- 1971 ex.s. c 279: See note following RCW 28B.15.005.

     Severability -- 1970 ex.s. c 59: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1970 ex.s. c 59 § 11.]

     Severability -- 1969 ex.s. c 261: See note following RCW 28B.50.020.

GED test, eligibility: RCW 28A.305.190.

"Totally disabled" defined for certain purposes: RCW 28B.15.385.