SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5826
As of January 13, 2026
Title: An act relating to access at public postsecondary educational institutions to medication abortion.
Brief Description: Concerning access at public postsecondary educational institutions to medication abortion.
Sponsors: Senator Nobles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 1/15/26.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires public institutions of higher education to offer access to medication abortion through certain available methods with the student health center.
  • Requires public institutions of higher education without a student health center to train current student support staff on information and referral services for medication abortion. 
  • Requires public institutions of higher education to maintain a webpage on reproductive health within an existing website. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

Public Institutions of Higher Education.  Washington has six public baccalaureate institutions, and 34 community and technical colleges.

 

Medication Abortion.  Medication abortion includes substances used during medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy including, but not limited to, mifepristone.
Summary of Bill:

Access to Medication Abortion.  Beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, each public institution of higher education with a student health center must offer access to medication abortion through:

  • a public program that connects patients in Washington to reproductive health services;
  • a formal agreement with a safety net abortion provider with telehealth capabilities; or
  • other available methods.

 

Student health centers that do not offer medication abortion services prior enactment of this bill must utilize the most cost-effective option to offer medication abortion services.

 

By the start of the 2027-28 academic year, each public institution of higher education that does not operate a student health center must provide information and referral services for medication abortion to students seeking such services. The institution must train current student support staff on the availability of certain public resources for student referral.

 

Webpage on Reproductive Health Services.  All public institutions of higher education must maintain a comprehensive health services webpage on an existing website that provides clear, accessible information and resources regarding reproductive health services including, but not limited to, prenatal care and options for pregnancy termination. The webpage must include certain information including: scheduling appointments, certain existing campus resources, and an unbroken link and accurate description that directs students to the abortion page of the sexual and reproductive health section of the Department of Health's website.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on December 30, 2025.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.