H-1965.1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1973

ByHouse College & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Paul, Pollet, Bergquist, Sells, and Riccelli)

AN ACT Relating to establishing the Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program; adding a new section to chapter 28B.76 RCW; and adding new sections to chapter 43.131 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28B.76 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The legislature recognizes that dual credit programs reduce both the cost and time of attendance to obtain a postsecondary degree. The legislature intends to reduce barriers and increase access to postsecondary educational opportunities for low-income students by removing the financial barriers for dual enrollment programs for students.

(2) The office, in consultation with the institutions of higher education and the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall create the Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program. The office shall administer the Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program and may adopt rules as necessary.

(3) Eligible students are those who meet the following requirements:

(a) Qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program;

(b) Are enrolled in one or more dual credit programs, as defined in RCW 28B.15.821, such as college in the high school and running start; and

(c) Have at least a 2.0 grade point average.

(4) Beginning with the 2019-20 academic year, the college board shall award scholarships to eligible students. The scholarship award must be as follows:

(a) For eligible students enrolled in running start:

(i) Mandatory fees, as defined in RCW 28A.600.310(2), prorated based on credit load; and

(ii) A textbook voucher to be used at the institution of higher education's bookstore where the student is enrolled. For every credit per quarter the student is enrolled, the student shall receive a textbook voucher for ten dollars, up to a maximum of fifteen credits per quarter, or the equivalent, per year.

(b) An eligible student enrolled in a college in the high school program shall receive a scholarship for tuition fees as set forth under RCW 28A.600.290(5)(a).

(5) The legislature shall appropriate funding for the Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program. Allocations must be made on the basis of estimated eligible students enrolled in dual enrollment programs. All eligible students are entitled to a Washington dual enrollment scholarship.

(6) The Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program must apply after the fee waivers for low-income students under RCW 28A.600.310 and subsidies under RCW 28A.600.290 are provided for.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The Washington dual enrollment scholarship pilot program is terminated July 1, 2025, as provided in section 3 of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.131 RCW to read as follows:

The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective July 1, 2026:

Section 1 of this act.

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