The bill establishes a framework for addressing student basic needs at public postsecondary institutions in Washington State. By the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year, each institution is required to form a student basic needs task force that includes staff, faculty, student representatives, and community organizations. This task force will develop a strategic plan aimed at creating a hunger-free campus, which includes conducting annual surveys to assess food and housing security, analyzing gaps in student needs, and establishing a benefits resource hub. Institutions must also hire full-time benefits navigators to assist students in accessing public benefits and emergency financial assistance, and they are required to report their findings and activities annually to the state board for community and technical colleges and the student achievement council.

Additionally, the bill creates a postsecondary basic needs work group to coordinate efforts across institutions, assess funding distribution, and provide technical assistance to the task forces. It also introduces a benefits navigator grant program to fund the implementation of these initiatives and establishes pilot programs at selected college districts and four-year institutions to provide free or low-cost meal plans or food vouchers for eligible low-income students. These pilot programs are set to expire on July 1, 2025, with the overall provisions of the bill expiring on January 1, 2026.