The proposed bill aims to establish formal data collection protocols to better identify and support parenting students in Washington's higher education system. Currently, there is no consistent method to track these students, which hampers effective policy development and resource allocation. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by parenting students, who represent a significant portion of the postsecondary population. By improving data collection, the legislature seeks to enhance evidence-based policymaking, promote educational equity, and ultimately improve postsecondary completion rates for student parents and their families.

To implement these goals, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 28B.77 RCW, mandating the council to collaborate with higher education institutions to develop formal data collection protocols. This data collection will occur at feasible points, such as during enrollment, and will be updated annually. Additionally, the council is tasked with convening a work group that includes representatives from various educational and advocacy organizations to provide recommendations on identifying students' parenting status and to suggest supportive practices for parenting students. The work group is required to submit its recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026.