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 previous legislation from 2022, which created an operating grant program to support outdoor education. The new program will provide competitive grants to various entities, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate facilities that enhance access to outdoor education experiences. The focus will be on projects that serve underserved communities and increase the capacity of outdoor education facilities.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for grant recipients, including maintaining the improvements for a designated period and using the facilities for the intended purpose. It mandates that the office submit a prioritized list of recommended projects for funding to the governor and legislature starting in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. The bill emphasizes the importance of outdoor education in creating career pathways in fields such as forestry and marine biology, while also addressing the need for improved infrastructure to support these educational experiences.