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WashingtonHB 15722025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Modifying higher education accreditation standards.

Sponsored By: Gerry Pollet (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Nonprofit college branches face exemption conditions

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington branches, extensions, or facilities of out-of-state nonprofit colleges can qualify for a state authorization exemption. They must have continuously offered Washington degree programs for at least 10 years and held home-state authorization for 20 years. They also need at least 10 years of continuous council-recognized accreditation and must keep that accreditation and federal student-aid eligibility. They must be recognized for extensive research and innovation, doctoral programs, and advanced facilities and resources. They must keep meeting the state's authorization requirements. The council can deny, suspend, or withdraw an exemption when these requirements are not met.

Stronger oversight of Washington degree programs

The Washington Student Achievement Council must set minimum rules covering accreditation, education quality, unfair practices, financial stability, and other protections. Schools operating in Washington must have accreditation, a pending accreditation application, a council waiver, or a council exemption. Beginning December 1, 2026, the council must recognize accreditors with rigorous standards. These standards cover school effectiveness, student learning and assessment, governance, academic independence, responsible administration and finances, and transparency. The council can investigate schools, administer oaths, compel testimony and records through subpoenas, and inspect sites at schools' expense. It can negotiate interstate agreements and make agreements with otherwise exempt Washington schools to protect students taking interstate distance courses. It must publish guidance and resource links about programs that award degrees without proper academic achievement. It must also coordinate oversight of private vocational schools' degree and nondegree programs with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. Financial disclosures from degree-granting private vocational schools are exempt from public disclosure.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Debra Entenman

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025*.

    4/24/2025House

  2. Chapter 157, 2025 Laws.

    4/24/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/21/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/16/2025House

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

    4/16/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/15/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/26/2025House

  11. HEWD - Majority; do pass.

    3/24/2025House

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

    3/14/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/12/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/12/2025House

  15. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/12/2025House

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/12/2025House

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

    3/11/2025House

  18. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  19. PEW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/19/2025House

  20. Minority; do not pass.

    2/19/2025House

  21. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/19/2025House

  22. PEW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/19/2025House

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

    1/24/2025House

  24. Introduced

    1/24/2025House

Bill Text

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