Bill > SB5402

This bill modifies financial aid eligibility for the Washington college grant program by expanding income thresholds and creating a new bridge grant. The bill changes the income brackets for grant eligibility, increasing the maximum grant threshold from 55% to 70% of the state median family income and adjusting the prorated grant percentages for students with higher family incomes. Specifically, students with family incomes between 71-80% of the state median will now receive 50% of the maximum grant, those between 81-90% will receive 25%, and those between 91-100% will receive 10%. Additionally, the bill introduces a new $500 annual bridge grant for Washington college grant recipients who qualify for the maximum grant but are not recipients of the college bound scholarship program. This bridge grant, available starting in the 2025-26 academic year, is designed to help low-income students cover additional education expenses such as books, lab fees, supplies, technology, transportation, housing, and child care. To receive the full bridge grant, students must be enrolled at least half-time, and the grant will be applied after all other financial aid has been awarded.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5402&Year=2025&Initiative=false