The bill amends existing laws related to the public service loan forgiveness program in Washington State, specifically RCW 41.04.045, 41.04.055, and 43.41.425. Key changes include the requirement for state agencies to provide employment certification for the public service loan forgiveness program to current and former employees upon request, as well as to notify current employees of their eligibility for certification one year after their last certification. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies must not unreasonably delay in certifying employment and must seek permission from employees before doing so.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the calculation for determining whether part-time academic employees at institutions of higher education qualify as full-time for the purposes of the loan forgiveness program, specifying that in-class teaching hours must be multiplied by at least 3.35 hours. It also expands the collaboration efforts of the office responsible for the program to include various stakeholders, such as the office of the superintendent of public instruction, to improve access to the loan forgiveness program for public service employees. The bill establishes a deadline for a statewide initiative plan to be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 41.04.045, 41.04.055, 28B.10.016
Bill as Passed Legislature: 41.04.045, 41.04.055, 28B.10.016
Session Law: 41.04.045, 41.04.055, 28B.10.016