This bill addresses the funding disparities faced by Western Washington University (WWU) by establishing a new funding mechanism aimed at achieving state funding parity. The legislature acknowledges that WWU has historically received the lowest per-student funding among public universities in Washington, despite strong enrollment and graduation rates. The bill highlights the importance of regional comprehensive universities in addressing the state's postsecondary educational attainment crisis, which is critical for meeting the workforce demands of the future.

To implement this funding parity, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 28B.35 RCW, which mandates that starting with the 2029-2031 biennium, the legislature must appropriate funds to WWU based on a calculated ratio of funding per full-time equivalent student. If WWU has the lowest funding ratio compared to other regional universities and state colleges, it will receive an appropriation equal to the difference between its ratio and that of the next lowest institution. Conversely, if WWU does not have the lowest ratio, no additional appropriation will be made. This structured approach aims to ensure that WWU receives equitable funding in line with its peers.