HB 2727 creates a state-funded grant program to help community and technical college students pay for public transportation. It requires the state transportation department to provide grants to transit agencies that partner with colleges to offer free or reduced transit fares for students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. To qualify, transit agencies must submit proposals detailing program goals, cost-reduction methods, college partnerships, and long-term sustainability plans. The program aims to lower transportation barriers for these students, with pilot projects required to report outcomes to the legislature within six months of completion.
HB 2739 establishes the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement to offset federal funding cuts threatening research in Washington. It authorizes $6 billion in state bonds to fund critical scientific research at public universities and institutions, directly affecting fields like cancer treatment, veterinary medicine, climate science, and semiconductor technology. The bill aims to sustain ongoing projects jeopardized by federal grant reductions, including Washington State University's veterinary disease lab and University of Washington's $2.6 billion annual economic contribution. Proceeds will be allocated over three biennia to maintain research programs and prevent loss of scientific talent and economic impact.
HB 2550 expands Washington state's transit support grant program to include students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs at community and technical colleges as free-ride passengers. This directly affects community and technical college students and transit agencies receiving state grants, requiring them to adopt a zero-fare policy for this group to qualify for funding. Transit agencies must document this policy by October 1, 2022, and track trips taken under the program. The bill amends existing law to add these students to the existing free-ride eligibility for youth 18 and under, with agencies aligning implementation with equity principles.
HB 2612 protects revenues from specific state surcharges by mandating their direct deposit into Washington's workforce education investment account. The bill requires all funds from the workforce investment surcharge (RCW 82.04.299) and specified revenues (RCW 82.04.290(2)(c)) to be placed solely in this account, with spending limited to higher education programs, workforce development, and student aid. Crucially, it prohibits using these funds to replace or reduce existing state, federal, or local education funding - ensuring they provide supplemental support only. This directly affects state higher education institutions and workforce programs that rely on these designated funds.
HB 2398 creates a tax credit for Washington small businesses (50 or fewer employees) that provide maritime trade educational assistance to employees working aboard or servicing U.S. flagged vessels. The credit covers 100% of eligible training costs - such as tuition, tools, and maritime certification programs - up to $20,000 per business annually, with unused credits carryable for five years. It applies to both business and occupation taxes (Chapter 82.04 RCW) and public utility taxes (Chapter 82.16 RCW), excluding overlapping credits. The credit expires for claiming on January 1, 2038, and the law ends January 1, 2039. Eligible employees must be enrolled in Washington maritime training programs supporting careers like commercial fishing, marine engineering, or vessel operations.
SB 6227 requires Washington colleges and universities to establish consistent statewide data collection protocols to identify parenting students (parents enrolled in higher education). It directs the Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop these protocols, form a work group with college leaders and student advocates, and encourage institutions to submit annual data to the state education data center. The bill aims to make parenting students' needs visible for better policy decisions, resource allocation, and support programs related to childcare and financial aid. This data-driven approach seeks to improve retention and graduation rates for parenting students without directly funding new services.
HB 2324 creates a mandatory tuition and fee waiver for children of veterans who died or became totally disabled in active federal military service, as well as for their surviving spouses or domestic partners. To qualify, recipients must be Washington domiciliaries aged 17-26 (for children) or Washington residents (for survivors), with survivors having up to 10 years to use benefits. The waiver covers all tuition and fees (including a $500 annual stipend for textbooks), but is limited to 250 quarter credits per recipient and requires satisfactory academic progress. This policy directly affects dependents of veterans meeting specific service criteria, such as combat deployment or service-connected disability, as defined by federal standards.
This bill adjusts Washington State's financial aid program for students attending private four-year colleges. It sets specific maximum grant amounts for private non-profit institutions ($9,739 through 2025-26, then 50% of public research institution awards starting 2026-27) and for private for-profit institutions (similar fixed amounts through 2025-26, transitioning to 50% of public awards in 2026-27). The policy directly affects students enrolled at eligible private four-year colleges in Washington, including both non-profit and for-profit institutions. The key change is shifting from fixed annual amounts to a formula tied to public institution awards beginning in 2026-27.
SB 6217 expands Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in eligible certificate or diploma programs that do not lead to a degree (nondegree credential programs). It affects Washington residents pursuing these shorter-term training programs starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The bill adds this category to existing eligibility requirements, including financial need and residency, while maintaining the same grant structure and academic progress rules as degree programs. This change aims to increase access to affordable workforce training for students seeking credentials like nursing assistants or IT certifications.
HB 2443 creates a state-funded grant program to help Washington state military reservists and their spouses or dependents pay for college. Eligible participants must be stationed in Washington, enrolled in an accredited Washington institution, and agree to serve one year in the reserves for each year they receive the grant. The grant covers tuition (up to University of Washington rates), books ($500), and fees, but cannot reduce other financial aid. If participants don’t fulfill their service obligation, they must repay the grant with interest, and the state can collect repayments through wage garnishment. The program is administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
