WA HB2617

Eliminates the "fund split" methodology that required public colleges and universities to use tuition revenue to cover state-mandated compensation increases and central service costs, which the legislature finds has created structural budget deficits since the 2015-17 biennium

Requires the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to study essential student services standards, including optimal student-to-advisor ratios, mental health counselor ratios, class sizes, and career services, with a report due December 1, 2026

Establishes state funding percentages for employee compensation increases starting in the 2029-2031 biennium: University of Washington at 60%, Washington State University at 66%, regional universities at 70%, The Evergreen State College at 85%, and community/technical colleges at 100%

Mandates 10% increases in state funding each subsequent biennium until compensation and central services are fully funded by the state rather than tuition

Defines "state funds" as general fund, education legacy trust account, opportunity pathways account, and workforce education investment account; excludes graduate research assistants focused on dissertation work from the employee definition