WA HJM4013

Urges Governor Bob Ferguson to opt Washington State into the federal tax-credit scholarship program for K-12 educational expenses established by Public Law 119-21 (enacted July 4, 2025)

Individual taxpayers can direct up to $1,700 annually in federal tax credits toward scholarship granting organizations that provide educational assistance for tutoring, special education services, enrichment programs, curriculum materials, and technology

Scholarships are restricted to students from families with household incomes at or below 300% of area median gross income, covering both public and private school students

Washington could receive an estimated $732 million annually in donations to scholarship granting organizations at no cost to state taxpayers, with participation requiring the governor to identify qualifying organizations by January 1, 2027

Scholarship granting organizations must meet federal accountability standards including annual financial audits, public reporting, prohibition on self-dealing, and spending at least 90% of funds directly on student scholarships