The bill establishes a new statewide capital facility grant program aimed at expanding and improving outdoor learning opportunities for public school students in Washington. It builds on the success of the outdoor school initiative enacted in 2022, which has already provided outdoor education experiences to many students. The program will prioritize projects that enhance access to outdoor education, particularly for underserved communities, by acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating facilities used for these purposes. Eligible projects may include renovations to increase capacity, improvements for energy efficiency, and upgrades to essential facilities.

The bill outlines a competitive process for grant applications, requiring applicants to demonstrate how their projects will increase student participation in outdoor education. It specifies that eligible recipients can include tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the bill mandates that grant contracts include provisions for maintaining improvements, ensuring facilities are used for their intended purpose, and stipulating repayment terms if compliance is not met. Starting in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium, the office will submit a prioritized list of recommended projects for funding as part of its biennial capital budget request.