The bill revises the Washington state opportunity scholarship program by amending several sections of the existing law and repealing RCW 28B.145.130. A significant change is the definition of "program administrator," which is now designated as "one or more" private nonprofit corporations, allowing the board to create and operate these entities to manage the program. The funding structure is also clarified, mandating an annual state appropriation for matching funds, capped at $50 million per fiscal year, based on anticipated donations and pledges. Additionally, the bill establishes a rural county high employer demand jobs program aimed at assisting low and middle-income residents in obtaining professional-technical certificates and degrees, particularly in health professions.

The bill further details eligibility criteria for students seeking scholarships, requiring them to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and limiting eligibility to a maximum of five years or 125% of the program's duration. It ensures that scholarship awards do not diminish any gift aid received by students and clarifies that this section does not confer any rights or entitlements. A new rural jobs program match transfer account is created, which will be managed by the state treasurer and used exclusively for state matching funds, contingent upon proof of private contributions. The previous cap on state matching funds has been removed, and the bill emphasizes its immediate effect for public safety and support of state institutions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.145.010, 28B.145.020, 28B.145.040
Substitute Bill: 28B.145.010, 28B.145.020, 28B.145.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.145.010, 28B.145.020, 28B.145.040, 28B.145.100, 28B.145.120, 28B.145.130
Session Law: 28B.145.010, 28B.145.020, 28B.145.040, 28B.145.100, 28B.145.120, 28B.145.130