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Bill

Bill

SB 5724

Improving student access to dual credit programs, including career and technical education dual credit programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 1 co-sponsor

Washington bill expands student access to dual credit and career-technical education programs, enabling high schoolers to earn college credits before graduation.

First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
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Bill Summary · SB 5724

Legislative bill overview

SB 5724 aims to expand student access to dual credit programs in Washington, specifically including career and technical education (CTE) dual credit opportunities. The bill addresses barriers that prevent students from participating in programs where they can earn college and high school credits simultaneously, potentially reducing time and cost to degree completion.

Why is this important

Dual credit programs allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, accelerating their path to postsecondary credentials and reducing overall education costs. Expanding access—particularly in CTE fields—can help address workforce shortages in skilled trades while providing economically disadvantaged students pathways that might otherwise be inaccessible. This approach has been shown to improve college completion rates and workforce readiness.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Expanding dual credit programs requires institutional coordination, instructor training, and potentially subsidies; funding mechanisms aren't detailed in the available description
  • Quality and equity concerns: Ensuring programs maintain educational quality across different districts and that access truly reaches underserved communities rather than just well-resourced schools
  • Community college capacity: Colleges may face resource constraints in scaling programs without adequate state support or reimbursement structures

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

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