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SB 5896

Extending the terms of eligibility for financial aid programs.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Andy Billig and 8 co-sponsors

SB 5896 extends Washington state financial aid eligibility timelines, enabling longer-term students to maintain funding access for degree completion.

First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development.
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Bill Summary · SB 5896

Legislative bill overview

SB 5896 extends the eligibility periods for Washington state financial aid programs, allowing students to access funding assistance for longer periods. The bill modifies existing time limits that currently restrict how long students can receive state-funded financial aid. This change would permit students who take longer to complete degrees or certificates to maintain eligibility for aid support.

Why is this important

Many students, particularly first-generation, part-time, and nontraditional learners, take longer than traditional timelines to complete credentials due to work, family obligations, or remedial coursework needs. Extending eligibility could reduce barriers to degree completion and increase access to higher education for these populations, though it also increases state expenditures on financial aid programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Extended eligibility periods increase state budget obligations for higher education financial aid, requiring either new funding sources or reallocation from other programs
  • Incentive structure debate: Some argue longer eligibility encourages prolonged enrollment without degree progress, while supporters contend it removes artificial barriers for students with legitimate circumstances
  • Defining reasonable timeframes: Disagreement over what constitutes appropriate extension limits—whether programs should allow 150%, 200%, or flexible time-based eligibility windows

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

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