SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5542
As of February 4, 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: Senators Boehnke, Slatter, Hasegawa, Nobles, Ramos and Valdez; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/06/25.
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
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 (S&A) 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: Requested on January 24, 2025.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.