The bill seeks to strengthen consumer protections for students enrolled in online or distance education programs in Washington state by mandating the Washington State Council to adopt minimum standards for degree-granting institutions. These standards ensure that institutions are accredited and financially stable, while also requiring that any interstate reciprocity agreements do not compromise student protections or the council's authority to investigate complaints. Institutions are obligated to disclose any ongoing investigations or financial instability to current and prospective students. Key amendments include provisions that uphold consumer protections for out-of-state institutions and expand the scope of complaints that can be filed against institutions for misrepresentation and unfair business practices.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations to prohibit degree-granting institutions from providing misleading information about their programs and restricts the use of official U.S. military logos in advertising. It also introduces a waiver authority for the council to bypass state requirements for institutions involved in interstate agreements, provided they comply with federal regulations and the council's consumer protection policies. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance consumer protection while promoting collaboration in online education across state lines.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.85.020, 28B.85.070, 28B.85.090, 28B.85.095
Engrossed Bill: 28B.85.020, 28B.85.070, 28B.85.090, 28B.85.095
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.85.020, 28B.85.070, 28B.85.090, 28B.85.095
Session Law: 28B.85.020, 28B.85.070, 28B.85.090, 28B.85.095