The bill amends RCW 28B.77.850 to expand eligibility for the students experiencing homelessness and foster youth program to include accredited tribal colleges in Washington. Specifically, it allows public four-year institutions of higher education and public tribal colleges accredited by recognized associations to implement programs that provide various forms of assistance to students experiencing homelessness and those who were in the foster care system upon graduating high school. The assistance may include access to laundry facilities, storage, meal plans, technology, short-term housing, and case management services.

Additionally, the bill mandates that these institutions leverage existing community resources to support students and requires them to submit an annual joint report to the legislature detailing the number of students served, the effectiveness of the program, and recommendations for improvement. The language of the bill includes several insertions to clarify the inclusion of tribal colleges and the types of support provided, while no deletions from current law are noted.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.77.850
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.77.850
Session Law: 28B.77.850