Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
HB 1762
Brief Description: Prohibiting institutions of higher education from requiring students to live on campus.
Sponsors: Representatives Keaton, Pollet, Rude, Salahuddin, Jacobsen, Berg, Zahn, Simmons, Ormsby and Reed.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students to live on campus.
Hearing Date: 2/12/25
Staff: Saranda Ross (786-7068).
Background:

The University of Washington, Western Washington University, the Evergreen State College, and community and technical colleges do not require students to live on campus.

 

Central Washington University requires all full-time single freshman and sophomore students under 21 years of age to live on campus.

 

Eastern Washington University requires all full-time single first-year students under 21 years of age to live on campus throughout their first year.

 

Washington State University requires all single undergraduate students under 20 years of age to live on campus for one academic year.

 

Institutions that require students to live on campus allow for various exceptions, such as students:

  • living with parents or relatives;
  • who have primary legal custody of a child;
  • who would face undue financial hardship living on campus;
  • with medical reasons;
  • with certain prior college experiences; or
  • with other unique situations approved by the institution.
Summary of Bill:

Public institutions of higher education may not require students to live on campus or in university residence hall facilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 8, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.