Bill > HB2098

This bill makes several significant changes to higher education funding and taxation in Washington State. First, it modifies the workforce education investment surcharge on select advanced computing businesses, maintaining the current 1.22% rate through December 31, 2025, and then increasing it to 7.5% beginning January 1, 2026. The bill expands eligibility for the Washington college grant by increasing the family income threshold from 60% to 100% of the state median family income for maximum grant amounts, and introduces a graduated grant percentage for families with incomes up to 150% of the median. Additionally, the bill mandates a 10% reduction in tuition operating fees for resident undergraduate students at higher education institutions for the 2027-28, 2028-29, and 2029-30 academic years. After 2030, tuition increases will be limited to the average annual percentage growth rate in median hourly wages. The bill also includes provisions for automatically adding computer science and engineering degree enrollments at state universities when qualified Washington applicant demand exceeds available spots, and provides detailed definitions and administrative guidelines for implementing these changes.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2098&Year=2025&Initiative=false