WashingtonHB 12792025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Providing postsecondary education consumer protections.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Online students retain Washington financial safeguards

Beginning July 27, 2025, the council cannot lower required financial bonds just because a school is based outside Washington. Agreements with other states must require at least the bond amount and security required for Washington-based schools. The council can waive state rules for schools in interstate distance-learning agreements only when federal authorization rules, Washington’s federal-aid role, and its student-protection policies are met. Beginning July 1, 2028, these agreements must preserve student protections, council investigations, enforcement, complaint response, and bond requirements. They must also ensure the council and Washington students and applicants receive notices of investigations, suspensions, or provisional status concerning school finances, aid eligibility, or accreditation.

Washington students keep state consumer protections

Beginning July 27, 2025, protections cover Washington residents who submit any part of an application or are asked to enroll. Schools with state-granted accreditation exemptions cannot reduce student protections or the council’s power to investigate and enforce them. The Washington Student Achievement Council cannot give another state its enforcement powers or responsibility for responding to Washington student complaints.

Washington reviews protections for online students

Beginning July 27, 2025, the law sets deadlines for reviewing interstate distance-learning agreements. By December 31, 2026, the council must report on expected agreement changes or whether changes are needed. If equivalent protections are not adopted by July 1, 2028, the council must review Washington’s participation and may seek alternatives with other states. If it finds protections unequal, it must create a separate process for distance-learning agreements and facilitate a transition by July 1, 2028.

Some private school finances stay private

Beginning July 27, 2025, certain financial records from degree-granting private vocational schools are exempt from public disclosure. The exemption applies only when federal law protects the records. It does not apply when the council relies on them for federal or state student-aid eligibility or required bond amounts. It also does not apply when records support an investigation into a school’s authority to offer educational programs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Mari Leavitt
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/7/2025