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SGA 9300

In Committee

Senate

ZOE I. BARSNESS

This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.

How does a bill become law?
  1. Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
  2. Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
  3. Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
  4. Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
  5. Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
  6. Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
Introduced: January 15, 2026
Last Action: January 16, 2026
Status: S Higher Ed & Wor

AI Analysis

This analysis was generated by AI and may contain errors. It is not legal advice. Always refer to the official bill text for authoritative information.
People & CommunitiesBalancedCorporate & Wealthy Interests

This bill appoints Zoe I. Barsness to the University of Washington Board of Regents for a three-year term beginning October 1, 2025. It formally fills a vacancy on the board.

  • Appoints Zoe I. Barsness as a member of the University of Washington Board of Regents.
  • Sets the term of appointment to begin on October 1, 2025, and end on September 30, 2028.
  • Fills a vacancy on the Board of Regents.

Who is affected

  • University of Washington Board of Regents membersThe University of Washington Board of Regents governs the state's flagship public research university, including setting tuition, approving budgets, and overseeing academic programs.
Effective: October 01, 2025
Model: Intel/Qwen3-Coder-Next-int4-AutoRoundGenerated: Mar 19, 2026 at 10:06 PM

Pro/Con Analysis

Potential Benefits (1)
  • The appointment ensures continuity and stability in governance of Washington’s flagship public university, which supports consistent academic and financial oversight of a major public institution serving over 50,000 students.

    EducationRef: Appoints Zoe I. Barsness... as a Member of the University of Washington Board of Regents
Potential Concerns (1)
  • This appointment has no direct fiscal or regulatory impact on everyday Washingtonians; it is a routine personnel action with no measurable effect on services, taxes, or rights.

    Local GovernmentRef: Appoints Zoe I. Barsness... for a term ending September 30, 2028

Who Is Most Affected

University of Washington students and familiesMixed Impact

As a regent, Barsness will help set tuition rates, approve budgets, and oversee academic programs—decisions that directly affect current and future students’ costs and educational experience.

University of Washington faculty and staffMixed Impact

Faculty and staff may be impacted indirectly through budget decisions, hiring freezes, or strategic priorities set by the board, though this appointment alone does not alter existing labor agreements or working conditions.

General public of WashingtonMixed Impact

State residents benefit from a well-governed public research university that drives innovation, workforce development, and economic activity across Washington—though this single appointment has minimal direct impact on the broader economy.

University of Washington Board of Regents (collective)Mixed Impact

As a regent, Barsness will participate in fiduciary decisions affecting the university’s endowment, capital projects, and long-term financial health—potentially influencing institutional priorities that could affect state funding allocations.

State taxpayersMixed Impact

State taxpayers are not directly affected financially, as this bill contains no funding or tax provisions; however, stable university governance supports public investment in higher education, which has long-term fiscal returns.