The bill aims to improve state employee access to peer-reviewed journals by directing the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct a study on the feasibility of a statewide subscription model. Currently, state agencies lack comprehensive electronic access to these journals, leading employees to spend excessive time and resources to obtain necessary materials. The study will explore potential funding, organizational structure, and policy mechanisms to enhance access to peer-reviewed journals, which are defined as any academic, scholarly, or scientific peer-reviewed journal.

The study is required to be completed by December 1, 2026, and will be submitted to the relevant legislative committees. Additionally, the bill appropriates $83,000 from the general fund to The Evergreen State College for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to support the study. The section detailing the study will expire on June 30, 2027, ensuring that the initiative is time-bound and focused on delivering actionable insights within a specified timeframe.