SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5711
As of February 8, 2023
Title: An act relating to extending the terms of eligibility for the Washington college grant program.
Brief Description: Extending the terms of eligibility for the Washington college grant program.
Sponsors: Senators Nobles, Liias, Frame, Hasegawa, Hunt, Lovelett, Nguyen, Pedersen, Salda?a, Shewmake, Valdez and Wilson, C.; by request of Student Achievement Council.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/10/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends eligibility for the Washington College Grant from five years or 125 percent of the published length of the student's program, to six years or 150 percent of the published length of the student's program.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background:

Washington College Grant. The State Need Grant was modified in 2019, and renamed the Washington College Grant (WCG).  The WCG is the state's largest financial aid program, and provides awards to low-income students to pursue postsecondary education.  The WCG is an entitlement program with guaranteed awards for those students who qualify.  The WCG award amount varies based on the institution the student attends and the student's family income.  An eligible student may receive a WCG for five years or up to 125 percent of the published length of the student's program.  
Summary of Bill:

A student is eligible to receive the WCG for six years or up to 150 percent of the published length of the student's program, or the credit or clock-hour equivalent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.