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Bill

SB 5205

Concerning Washington college grant award amounts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Conway and 2 co-sponsors

SB 5205 adjusts Washington college grant award amounts to affect student financial aid accessibility and state funding allocation for higher education assistance programs.

Referred to Ways & Means.
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Bill Summary · SB 5205

Legislative bill overview

SB 5205 modifies the award amounts for Washington's college grant program, which provides need-based financial aid to low and middle-income students attending public and private institutions in the state. The bill has passed the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee with a majority "do pass" recommendation and now faces review in the Ways & Means Committee, where its fiscal impact will be evaluated.

Why is this important

College affordability remains a significant barrier to higher education access in Washington. Changes to grant award amounts directly affect how many students can afford to attend college and whether existing grant funding stretches to serve more students or provides deeper support to fewer recipients. This decision has long-term implications for the state's workforce development and economic competitiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and state budget constraints: The Ways & Means Committee will scrutinize the cost of increased grant awards during a period of potential budget pressures, potentially requiring funding from other state priorities.
  • Award structure debate: Questions likely exist about whether to increase grant amounts uniformly, target specific income levels, or prioritize certain institution types (public vs. private), which affects different student populations unequally.
  • Adequacy vs. sustainability: Disagreement may arise between those advocating for grants sufficient to cover full tuition costs versus concerns about program sustainability and whether incremental increases are the most effective use of limited state resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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