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. It recognizes the importance of postsecondary credentials for a skilled workforce and seeks to reduce barriers for students, such as scholarship applications and income limits. The legislation allows local government partners to create independent scholarship programs, which will be administered by the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for students, the scholarship award structure, and the administrative responsibilities of local government partners and the program administrator.

Key provisions include the establishment of a new section in the law that allows local governments to set their own rules for scholarship programs, with a minimum scholarship value defined as the difference between tuition fees and any state-funded grants received by the student. The bill also mandates that institutions of higher education provide timely verification of eligibility for scholarship recipients and requires annual reporting on the outcomes of scholarship recipients. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include local government partner promise programs in the opportunity scholarship match transfer account, ensuring that matching funds are available for these new programs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070
Substitute Bill: 28B.145.050, 28B.145.070