SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1642
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Higher Education & Workforce Development, February 17, 2022
Title: An act relating to the Washington national guard postsecondary education grant program.
Brief Description: Concerning the Washington national guard postsecondary education grant program.
Sponsors: House Committee on College & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by 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 History: Passed House: 2/2/22, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/17/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Modifies eligibility requirements and the award amount for the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant program.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Randall, Chair; Nobles, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Member; Liias and Sefzik.
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background:

Washington State National Guard Conditional Scholarship Program. The Washington State National Guard Conditional Scholarship program was created in 1994, and is administered by the Office of the Adjutant General of the State Military Department. In 2020, the program was renamed the Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant Program. A student is eligible for the grant program if:

  • they are a member of the Washington National Guard;
  • they attend an accredited institution in Washington State; a baccalaureate degree or higher from any postsecondary institution has not been awarded;
  • they are an active drilling member in good standing in the Washington National Guard;
  • they have completed and submitted an application for student aid;
  • they are a resident student; and
  • they agree to fulfill the student's service obligation.

 

Eligible participants in the grant program incur an obligation to repay the grant with interest, unless they serve in the Washington National Guard for one year for each year they receive the award.

 

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. For example, the 2021-22 maximum award for students attending the University of Washington is $11,339.
Summary of Bill:

Eligibility. Eligibility for the Washington National Guard postsecondary education grant program is modified to require that students are enrolled in courses or programs that lead to a postsecondary degree or credential. The requirement that a student has not achieved a baccalaureate or higher degree is eliminated.

 

Grants. Eligible students may receive grants to pay for postsecondary education program costs. Grants may not:

  • exceed the maximum WCG award, plus $500 for books and supplies;
  • exceed the student's cost of attendance, when combined with other sources of aid; and
  • result in a reduction of the participant's federal or other state aid.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

No public hearing was held. 
Persons Testifying: No one.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.