The bill amends RCW 28B.15.621 to enhance tuition waiver eligibility for veterans and their families in Washington State. It recognizes the service of active military and naval veterans, reserve military and naval veterans, and national guard members, allowing governing boards of state universities, regional universities, The Evergreen State College, and community and technical colleges to waive tuition and fees for eligible veterans and national guard members. Notably, the bill specifies that children of eligible veterans must be Washington domiciliaries aged between 17 and 26 or meet certain eligibility periods under federal law. It also clarifies that surviving spouses or domestic partners of eligible veterans have a ten-year window to utilize the waiver benefits, with specific conditions regarding remarriage affecting eligibility.

Additionally, the bill introduces several key changes, including the increase of the maximum allowable quarter credits from 250 and the stipend for textbooks and course materials from $500 per academic year. It emphasizes that tuition waivers for graduate students are encouraged but not mandatory, and it requires institutions to report on the implementation of these waivers every two years. The definitions of terms such as "totally disabled" and "Washington domiciliary" are also refined to ensure clarity in eligibility criteria. Overall, the bill aims to provide better support for veterans and their families in accessing higher education.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28B.15.621