WA SB5978

Establishes the Washington guaranteed admissions program beginning in the 2027-28 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 general admissions applications and mandates the Washington school information processing cooperative to collect and transmit data for eligible 11th and 12th grade students to institutions

Mandates school districts, charter schools, state-tribal education compact schools, and institutional education providers enter data-sharing agreements by January 1, 2027 to facilitate student information transfer

Requires the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to create and disseminate notices about higher education programs including the guaranteed admissions program, Washington college grant, dual credit programs, FAFSA, and state financial aid applications

Beginning 2026-27, schools must annually notify students in grades 9-12 and parents about these programs, designate staff or virtual resources for information, and provide parents an opportunity to opt students out of the guaranteed admissions program