Bill > SB5658

This bill makes several key changes to Washington state's workforce education and financial aid programs. First, it modifies the Washington college grant eligibility criteria, expanding the income range for maximum grant amounts and adjusting the percentage of grants for students with different family income levels. Second, the bill introduces a new $500 annual "bridge grant" for eligible low-income students who receive the maximum Washington college grant, which can be used for expenses like books, supplies, transportation, and childcare, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Third, the bill directs that revenues from a specific business tax surcharge be used exclusively for higher education programs in advanced computing and related STEM fields, with a focus on increasing access and equity for traditionally underserved communities. Additionally, the bill requires the University of Washington to automatically add enrollments to the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science when demand exceeds available spots and to submit annual reports on the program. The bill also modifies the workforce education investment accountability and oversight board's reporting deadline and requires more detailed reporting on expenditures. Finally, the bill includes a $6 million appropriation to the University of Washington to support 100 additional degrees in computer science and engineering by fiscal year 2029.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5658&Year=2025&Initiative=false