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 outlines eligibility criteria for students, including the requirement to have a high school diploma or equivalent 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 minimum scholarship value based on tuition and fees, and the stipulation that awards from these local programs will not be considered state-funded for other financial aid determinations. Additionally, the bill mandates that local government partners submit a pledge amount for state matching funds and requires institutions of higher education to verify eligibility information for scholarship recipients. The legislation also amends existing laws to incorporate these local programs into the broader opportunity scholarship framework, ensuring accountability and reporting on the outcomes of scholarship recipients.

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