SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6259
As of January 28, 2026
Title: An act relating to establishing that students are no longer eligible for state aid and must repay grants, scholarships, and other financial aid immediately upon determination of significant monetary damage to a public institution of higher education.
Brief Description: Establishing that students are no longer eligible for and must repay state aid immediately upon determination of significant monetary damage to a public institution of higher education.
Sponsors: Senators Boehnke and Dozier.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 1/29/26.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes that a student found by a court to have caused a certain amount of damage to an institution of higher education is not eligible for state financial aid and must repay any financial aid they have received.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers the financial aid programs for the state of Washington. Financial aid programs include need-based programs such as the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, State Work Study, Passport to Careers, and the Opportunity Grant. WSAC also administers merit-based programs such as the American Indian Endowed Scholarship and the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence and workforce programs targeted to those pursuing degrees in healthcare—Washington Health Corps—teaching, or individuals serving in the National Guard while pursuing a postsecondary degree.
Summary of Bill:

Any student who is found by a court to have caused damage to the physical assets of any institution of higher education in an amount equal to or greater than the cost of the current full academic year's tuition and fees for one residential student at that institution:

  • is immediately ineligible for all state grants, scholarships, and other financial aid awards; and
  • must immediately repay all current and previously awarded state grants, scholarships, and other financial aid awards to WSAC.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2026.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.