Washington Administrative Code Title 14 - Advanced Tuition Payment, Committee on
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Title 14, is dedicated to the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment. This committee, often known as the WA529 Committee, governs Washington State's college savings programs, primarily the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program and the WA529 College Investment Plan (WA529 Invest).
The overall purpose of Title 14 is to establish the rules and procedures for the administration and oversight of these state-sponsored college savings plans, designed to help families save for future higher education expenses. The regulations ensure the financial soundness of the programs, protect participants, and provide clear guidelines for their operation.
Here's a breakdown of the typical chapters and their focus within WAC Title 14:
Chapter 14-104: Committee on advanced tuition payment.
This chapter outlines the fundamental aspects of the Committee itself, including its general powers, duties, and responsibilities in administering the advanced college tuition payment program (GET) and the overall WA529 programs.
It often includes the delegation of authority from the Committee to its director for day-to-day administration, ensuring the program operates efficiently under established policies and rules.
It defines the purpose of the advanced tuition payment program, emphasizing the sale of "tuition units" that can be redeemed for future tuition costs, regardless of inflation.
It may address the financial soundness of the program, requiring actuarial soundness and integrity.
Chapter 14-108: Practice and procedure.
This chapter sets forth the procedural rules for any adjudicative proceedings (hearings) conducted by the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment.
It often adopts or aligns with the model rules of procedure from the Office of Administrative Hearings (WAC Title 10), ensuring fairness and due process in disputes related to the program.
Topics can include the application process for hearings, appointment of presiding officers, methods of recording proceedings, discovery, and procedures for closing parts of hearings if sensitive information is discussed.
Chapter 14-122: Withholding services for outstanding debts.
This chapter details the procedures the Committee can follow when an individual has an outstanding debt due to the program.
It specifies how the program will notify individuals about outstanding debts and the process for withholding services until the debt is resolved.
It also outlines the process for informal hearings to dispute the existence or amount of an outstanding debt.
Chapter 14-133: Organization.
This chapter typically describes the organization of the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment, including its membership, roles of officers (like the chair and director), and how it conducts its meetings (e.g., regular meetings, special meetings, public access to meetings).
Chapter 14-134: Designation of rules coordinator.
This chapter simply designates an individual or office responsible for coordinating the Committee's rulemaking activities, ensuring compliance with the state's rulemaking process.
Chapter 14-276: Access to public records.
This chapter details how the public can access records maintained by the Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment, adhering to Washington State's Public Records Act. It outlines procedures for requesting records, exemptions, and fees.
Chapter 14-325: State Environmental Policy Act rules.
This chapter explains how the Committee complies with the requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account for any of its actions that might have a significant environmental impact.
Overall Importance:
WAC Title 14 is essential for:
Program Transparency: Providing clear guidelines on how the GET and WA529 Invest programs are managed.
Consumer Protection: Ensuring that participants understand the terms of their agreements and that the programs are financially sound.
Accountability: Establishing procedures for addressing disputes and ensuring compliance with state law.
Public Access: Defining how the public can engage with the Committee and access relevant information.
The WA529 Committee, along with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and the Washington State Investment Board, works to ensure the long-term viability and success of these important college savings tools for Washington families.
For the most accurate and up-to-date version of these rules, you should always refer to the official sources:
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