The bill aims to encourage local governments in Washington State to establish their own local government partner promise scholarship programs within the existing Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program. This initiative is designed to reduce barriers for students seeking postsecondary education, such as scholarship applications, income limits, and degree program requirements. The legislation emphasizes minimal administrative duties for local governments, allowing them to provide substantial benefits to students. It also outlines eligibility criteria for students, including the requirement to have graduated from high school in Washington and to attend a public two-year institution or an approved professional-technical program.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of separate rules for local government partner promise scholarship programs, the administration of these programs by the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program, and the stipulation that scholarship awards must cover the difference between tuition fees and any state-funded grants received by the student. Additionally, the bill mandates that local government partners can receive state matching funds, limited to $250,000 per fiscal year, and requires annual reporting on the outcomes of these scholarship programs. The bill also amends existing laws to incorporate these new scholarship programs and their funding mechanisms.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070
Substitute Bill: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070
Second Substitute: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070
Session Law: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070