WA SB5543

Expands Washington College Bound Scholarship eligibility to include students who earn a high school equivalency certificate (GED) under RCW 28B.50.536, in addition to those graduating from public high schools, approved private high schools, or home-based instruction programs

Previously, only students who were dependents of the state (foster youth or those adopted between ages 14-18) could qualify via high school equivalency; this change extends the option to all eligible students

Maintains existing eligibility requirements: students must qualify for free/reduced-price lunches in grades 7-9, have no felony convictions, be Washington residents, and have family income not exceeding 65% of state median income at graduation

Passed the Senate 49-0 on March 7, 2025, and the House 89-5 on April 10, 2025; signed by Governor Ferguson on May 15, 2025

Takes effect July 27, 2025