WA HB1587

Local governments (municipalities, counties, and federally recognized Indian tribes) may establish their own promise scholarship programs within the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program, with the state program administrator handling selection, notification, and disbursement of awards.

Students must have received a high school diploma or equivalency in Washington and attend a public two-year institution or approved professional-technical program, with eligibility limited to three years or 125% of the program length.

Scholarships cover tuition and services/activities fees minus state-funded grants, with local governments able to add funding for books, equipment, room and board, and other expenses.

State matching funds are capped at $250,000 per fiscal year per local government partner, with 10% of local partner funds (excluding state match) available for administrative costs.

Education Research and Data Center must report annually on scholarship recipient outcomes starting in 2025, and the bill takes effect July 27, 2025.