Bill > HB2164

This bill amends the existing law to provide additional postsecondary education consumer protections. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing the Washington Student Achievement Council (the Council) to grant exemptions from accreditation requirements for degree-granting institutions, provided that such exemptions do not reduce student consumer protections or the Council's authority to investigate and enforce provisions of the law. 2. Requiring the Council to ensure that any interstate reciprocity agreements do not suspend, supersede, or reduce student consumer protections or the Council's authority to investigate and enforce the law. The agreements must also maintain the Council's ability to investigate complaints from Washington residents and not reduce surety or bond requirements. 3. Expanding the Council's complaint process to cover not just loss of tuition or fees, but also other losses or injuries due to misrepresentation of educational programs, accreditation, job placement statistics, student debt, and other unfair business practices. 4. Requiring institutions offering online or distance learning, and private/nonprofit institutions with physical campuses serving Washington students, to prominently disclose student rights and how to file complaints with the Council. 5. Prohibiting the Council from delegating its oversight and enforcement authority to other states, regardless of where an institution is authorized or headquartered.