SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1556
As Passed Senate, April 2, 2025
Title: An act relating to tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges.
Brief Description: Expanding tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges.
Sponsors: Representatives Entenman, Davis, Leavitt, Ortiz-Self, Reed, Kloba, Pollet, Hill and Simmons; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/5/25, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 3/13/25 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 4/2/25, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the requirement that a student be 19 years of age or older to be eligible for a High School Completion Program tuition and fee waiver.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Nobles, Chair; Hansen, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Member; Boehnke and Slatter.
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

Waiver for High School Completion Programs at Community and Technical Colleges. Community and technical colleges (CTCs) may waive all or a portion of tuition, and services and activities fees for resident students 19 years of age or older who are enrolled in a High School Completion Program. 

 

CTCs may also waive all or a portion of the difference between resident tuition and non-resident tuition for non-resident students enrolled in a High School Completion Program. 

 

The waiver is only for courses which lead to a high school diploma or certificate.
Summary of Bill:

The requirement that a student in a High School Completion Program be 19 years of age or older to qualify for a tuition and fee waiver is eliminated. 
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:

N/A
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying:

N/A