Bill > HB1273

This bill aims to improve student access to dual credit programs, particularly in career and technical education (CTE), by establishing a regional pilot program administered by the college board. The legislation recognizes that students who participate in dual credit programs have higher rates of college enrollment and completion, and seeks to address existing gaps in CTE dual credit opportunities. Under the pilot program, community and technical colleges, public high schools, and skill centers can receive grant funding for activities such as developing comprehensive dual credit course catalogs, aligning CTE programs with postsecondary credentials and apprenticeships, providing technical assistance for credit awarding, offering professional development, and supporting student outreach and curriculum alignment. The bill requires the college board, in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction, to submit two reports (a preliminary report by December 2026 and a final report by August 2027) detailing the pilot program's findings and recommending improvements to state dual credit policies. These recommendations will cover areas like course articulation, data collection, credit transfer processes, and counseling. The pilot program is set to expire on July 1, 2030, and the bill will become null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1273&Year=2025&Initiative=false