This bill aims to address the funding disparity faced by Western Washington University (WWU) by establishing a new funding mechanism to ensure 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 meeting the state's workforce needs, particularly as Washington anticipates a demand for nearly 300,000 additional workers with bachelor's degrees over the next decade.

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, the legislature is required to make an appropriation that covers the difference between WWU's ratio and that of the next lowest institution. Conversely, if WWU does not have the lowest ratio, no additional appropriation will be made. The bill also defines key terms related to the funding calculations, including "carryforward level" and the designation of regional universities and state colleges.