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WashingtonHB 15562025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Expanding tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges.

Sponsored By: Debra Entenman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Tuition waived for public safety families

Beginning July 27, 2025, community and technical colleges waive all tuition and student activity fees for children and surviving spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and Washington state patrol officers who died or became totally disabled in the line of duty in Washington. Children must start at a community or technical college within 10 years of high school graduation. “Totally disabled” means the officer is permanently unable to perform any occupation. Colleges follow existing state limits on waivers.

Lower nonresident charges for high school completion

Beginning July 27, 2025, colleges may waive all or part of the extra nonresident tuition charge for nonresident students finishing high school. The waiver is only for courses that lead to a high school diploma or certificate, and it does not apply if you are an “eligible student” under RCW 28A.600.405. Waivers follow existing state limits and local board decisions.

Nonresident tuition relief for deaf program

Beginning July 27, 2025, colleges may waive all or part of the nonresident tuition charge for students in the regional education program for deaf students. Up to 40% of enrolled students can get this waiver. It is available only if the program has federal funding. Waivers follow existing state limits and local board decisions.

Tuition help for adults finishing high school

Beginning July 27, 2025, colleges may waive some or all tuition and student activity fees for adults finishing high school. You must be age 19 or older and qualify for resident tuition rates. The waiver only covers courses that lead to a high school diploma or certificate, and it does not apply if you are an “eligible student” under RCW 28A.600.405. Waivers depend on each college board and existing state limits.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Debra Entenman

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren Davis

    Democratic • House

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor signed.

    4/11/2025legislature

  2. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/11/2025House

  3. Chapter 42, 2025 Laws.

    4/11/2025House

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/8/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/7/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/4/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/2/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/2/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/14/2025House

  11. HEWD - Majority; do pass.

    3/13/2025House

  12. First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development.

    3/7/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025House

  15. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/4/2025House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/13/2025House

  17. PEW - Majority; do pass.

    2/11/2025House

  18. PEW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/11/2025House

  19. First reading, referred to Postsecondary Education & Workforce.

    1/23/2025House

  20. Introduced

    1/23/2025House

Bill Text

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