HB 2458 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Expanding access to the Washington college grant to students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs.

HB 2458 would expand Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in eligible nondegree credential programs (such as career certificates or short-term workforce training) starting in the 2027-28 academic year. It requires the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Student Achievement Council to propose maximum grant amounts for these programs by December 2026. To qualify, students must still meet existing financial need criteria (e.g., public assistance program participation) and be Washington residents. This change allows students to use the grant for shorter, degree-free training without pursuing a full college credential.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify its purpose by adding a new section that requires the Student Achievement Council to propose a specific grant amount for nondegree credential programs. Additionally, the bill's title was updated to reflect this new requirement and the addition of an expiration date for the proposal section.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include a specific mandate for the Student Achievement Council to propose funding levels for nondegree credential programs, which was not explicitly detailed in the original version.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new section requiring the Student Achievement Council to collaborate with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to propose a maximum grant award amount for students in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs by December 1, 2026.

TIMELINE

Specified that the new requirement to propose grant amounts expires on January 31, 2027.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill title to include the creation of a new section and the provision of an expiration date.

Changed the bill type designation from 'House Bill' to 'Substitute House Bill' and updated the reading date and committee referral information to reflect legislative progress.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

Referred to Appropriations.

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Minority; without recommendation.

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce at 1:30 PM.

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce at 1:30 PM.

lower

1 primary · 8 co-sponsors