Bill > HB2132

This bill establishes new protections for personally identifying and financial information submitted as part of applications for state financial aid for postsecondary education, meaning any alternative application for financial aid for college or university approved by the council, excluding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Specifically, it exempts this sensitive information from public disclosure under the state's public records law, chapter 42.56 RCW. The bill also mandates that records related to these applications, including student identification numbers assigned by the council, be retained for no more than one year after the end of the academic award year, unless there's an ongoing audit, appeal, or legal requirement to keep them longer. Furthermore, state agencies are prohibited from sharing this protected information with other entities, including the federal government, without a court order, with a key exception allowing limited sharing between the council and other entities for the purpose of supporting student enrollment, provided there's a strict data-sharing agreement in place that prevents further disclosure to third parties. The council and higher education institutions are also restricted from disclosing or reproducing these records to others, including the federal government, unless legally compelled by a court order or other state or federal law.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2132&Year=2025&Initiative=false