Bill > SB5205

This bill modifies the Washington college grant program by introducing new requirements for institutions of higher education to receive the maximum grant amount. Specifically, institutions must now sign an annual affidavit affirming they have nondiscrimination policies that prohibit discrimination based on various characteristics such as race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and veteran status. The bill establishes detailed requirements for these nondiscrimination policies, covering both educational programs and employment practices. Institutions that do not sign the affidavit or are subject to court orders for discriminatory practices will receive a lower grant amount based on the 2024-25 academic year's tuition rates. The bill also provides an exemption for theology academic programs and allows institutions under ongoing legal proceedings to continue receiving the tuition growth factor until a final court order is issued. The maximum grant amounts for different types of institutions (public, private non-profit, and for-profit) are specified, with provisions for annual increases based on the tuition growth factor, which is calculated using the median hourly wage growth in Washington over the previous fourteen years.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5205&Year=2025&Initiative=false