This bill aims to reduce administrative staffing at state institutions of higher education in Washington to make college more affordable and accessible for families. The legislature has observed a significant increase in the administrator-to-student ratio since 1994, which has contributed to rising costs in higher education. To address this issue, the bill mandates that by June 30, 2025, each institution must reduce the number of nonfaculty exempt employees to levels consistent with the ratios from fiscal year 2008. This reduction is expected to generate substantial savings for taxpayers and lower tuition costs.

The bill outlines specific reduction targets for each institution, detailing the number of full-time equivalent nonfaculty exempt employees that must be cut, along with corresponding reductions in state appropriations and anticipated tuition savings. For example, the University of Washington is required to reduce its nonfaculty exempt employment by at least 2,381 positions, while other universities and the state board for community and technical colleges have similar mandates. The bill emphasizes the urgency of these changes by declaring an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately.