Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
College & Workforce Development Committee
HB 1642
Brief Description: Concerning the Washington national guard postsecondary education grant program.
Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Hoff, Orwall, Klippert, Ryu, Paul, Berry, Dolan, Graham, Valdez, Chambers, Bronoske, Callan, Dufault, Jacobsen, Ramos, Rule, Simmons, Sullivan, Slatter, Bergquist, Ormsby and Young; by request of Military Department.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Modifies eligibility requirements and the award amount for the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant program.
Hearing Date: 1/17/22
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:

Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant Program. 

The Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant program provides grants to actively participating members of the Washington National Guard to pursue an undergraduate degree or certificate.  Participants commit to serving one year in the Washington National Guard in exchange for each year of grant funding they receive.  Grant funding covers tuition and fees, minus any federal or state funded financial aid, plus $500 for books and supplies.  However, the annual grant received may not exceed the annual cost of tuition and services and activities fees at the University of Washington, plus the $500 book allowance. 

 

To be eligible, the student must:

  • be an active drilling member in good standing with the Washington National Guard;
  • have completed a financial aid application; 
  • not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or higher; 
  • attend an accredited higher education institution in Washington or a higher education institution in Washington that provides training under the Montgomery GI Bill; 
  • be a resident student; and 
  • agree to fulfill the service obligation.

 

The student may receive the grant for five years or 125 percent of the published length of the program.  Any student that does not fulfill their service obligation will have the grant amount converted to a loan that is proportionate to the unsatisfied portion of the service obligation, plus interest and fees. 

 

Washington College Grant. 

The maximum Washington College Grant (WCG) award covers tuition and services and activities fees for 15 quarter credits or the equivalent at the state's public institutions of higher education.  For example, the 2021-22 maximum award for students attending the University of Washington is $11,339. 
Summary of Bill:

Eligibility for the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant program is modified to require that a student be enrolled in courses or programs leading to a postsecondary degree or certificate.  The requirement that a student has not received a bachelor's degree or higher is eliminated. 

 

In addition, the grant award amount is modified.  The grant may not:

  • exceed the maximum WCG award, plus $500 for books and supplies;
  • exceed the student's cost of attendance, when combined with all other public and private grants, scholarships, and waiver assistance the student receives; or
  • result in a reduction of a participant's federal or other state financial aid. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.