The Washington 13 Free Guarantee Act establishes a program to provide eligible students with up to 45 credits of tuition-free access to technical colleges starting in the 2027-28 academic year. The act defines key terms such as "eligible degree or certificate program," "gift aid," and "recipient," and outlines the eligibility criteria for students, which include being a resident student, having graduated from a Washington public high school or earned a high school equivalency certificate, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. The program aims to reduce financial barriers to education by covering the difference between tuition fees and any state-funded grants or scholarships received by the student.

Additionally, the act mandates that each technical college designate a staff member to provide support services for recipients, ensuring they have the necessary resources to complete their programs. School districts are encouraged to facilitate meetings between counselors and low-income students to discuss financial aid options, including the Washington 13 Free Guarantee. The act also amends existing laws to incorporate information about the guarantee into financial aid advising and high school planning processes, thereby enhancing awareness and accessibility of financial aid resources for students.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.230.310, 28B.50.940, 28A.230.212