The bill aims to address the lack of comprehensive electronic access to peer-reviewed journals for state employees in Washington. It highlights the inefficiencies and costs associated with current practices, such as purchasing manuscripts or visiting university libraries. The legislature recognizes that other states have successfully implemented statewide subscriptions to peer-reviewed journals, leading to improved access and cost savings, and seeks to explore whether a similar model would be beneficial for Washington.

To facilitate this exploration, the bill directs the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct a study that will examine potential funding, organizational structure, and policy mechanisms for providing state employees with electronic access to these journals. The study is required to be completed by June 30, 2026, and must be submitted to the relevant legislative committees. The section outlining this study will expire on June 30, 2027.