WA HB1557

Establishes the Washington guaranteed admissions program beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, requiring regional universities, the state college, at least one campus of each state university, and tribal institutions to participate (with opt-out provisions requiring legislative reporting)

Requires participating institutions to simplify and streamline general admissions applications to only necessary information, with eligibility criteria determined by an organization representing public four-year institution presidents in consultation with the student achievement council

Mandates the Washington school information processing cooperative collect and transmit data of eligible 11th and 12th grade students to participating institutions, with schools required to enter data-sharing agreements by January 1, 2026

Requires schools to disseminate notices to students in grades 9-12 and their parents by November each year starting 2025-26, covering the guaranteed admissions program, Washington college grant, dual credit programs, career and technical education, and financial aid applications

Parents or guardians must be given the opportunity to opt their student out of the guaranteed admissions program through notifications distributed beginning in the 2026-27 school year