2024 legislative review
have directed Washington State University to create a first-in-the-nation digital literacy credentialing program to support historically marginalized people and communities . The bill passed out of the House Committee on Postsecondary Education and Workforce but did not advance .
HB 2236 core plus programs
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Clyde Shavers , D-Oak Harbor
This bill strengthens career and technical education Core Plus programs . It puts Core Plus in statute and creates a template for other industries to develop industryaligned core-based learning opportunities to engage youth in high-demand careers . Both chambers passed the final bill unanimously .
HB 2087 apprenticeship objection process
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Suzanne Schmidt , R-Spokane Valley
This bill would have established new procedures for submitting and reviewing objections to new apprenticeship programs . Following a model used successfully in Oregon , it would have required a demonstration of standing and streamlined the process to avoid delay . The bill had a hearing in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards but did not advance .
SB 5904 financial aid eligibility
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . T ’ wina Nobles , D-Fircrest
HB 2214 college grant eligibility
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Vandana Slatter , D-Bellevue
This bill allows beneficiaries of public assistance programs to automatically qualify for the Washington College Grant . The House passed the final bill 68-29 and the Senate 28-20 .
SB 6053 student data sharing
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Jeff Holy , R-Cheney
This bill requires the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to share high school directories with the Washington Student Achievement Council and public universities so they can contact students about financial aid and postsecondary opportunities . The Senate passed the final bill 47-0 and the House 85-11 .
HB 2441 college in the high school fees
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Chris Corry , R-Yakima
This bill establishes a pilot program that allows private , nonprofit four-year institutions to offer College in the High School courses at no cost to students . Both chambers passed the final bill unanimously .
HB 1956 fentanyl education in public schools
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Mari Leavitt , D-University Place
This bill requires middle and high schools to educate students on the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids . Both chambers passed the final bill unanimously .
HB 2112 fentanyl overdose prevention
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Rep . Greg Nance , D-Bainbridge Island
This bill makes fentanyl test strips and the overdose reversal drug naloxone available on college campuses across Washington . The bill passed the House 94-3 and the Senate 49-0 .
This bill extends the amount of time a student is eligible to receive state financial aid . Students may now receive aid for up to 150 percent of the length of their academic program . The Senate passed the final bill 35-14 and the House 61-35 .
Rep . Paul Harris , R-Vancouver , is minority caucus chair and a member of the House Rules , Education , Appropriations , and Health Care & Wellness committees . Rep . Stephanie McClintock , R- Vancouver , is a member of the Education , Capital Budget ( assistant ranking minority member ) and Consumer Protection & Business ( assistant ranking minority member ) committees .
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