The bill amends RCW 28B.118.010 to enhance equity in eligibility for the Washington college bound scholarship program. It clarifies that eligible students include those who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, are dependents under chapter 13.34 RCW, or were adopted between the ages of 14 and 18 with a negotiated adoption agreement. The bill also establishes that eligible students will be automatically enrolled in the program without requiring action from them or their families, and mandates that the office of student financial assistance notify them of their enrollment and scholarship requirements.

Significant changes include the addition of provisions that allow students who graduate from approved private high schools or receive a high school equivalency certificate to qualify for the scholarship. Furthermore, the bill specifies that eligible students must maintain a "C" average for direct admission to higher education institutions starting from the 2023-24 academic year. It also removes previous language that allowed certain students to meet eligibility requirements through alternative means, thereby streamlining the criteria for scholarship eligibility.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.118.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.118.010
Session Law: 28B.118.010