The bill modifies the eligibility criteria for the Washington college grant by adjusting the income thresholds for students demonstrating financial need. It establishes that students with family incomes between zero and 70 percent of the state median family income will receive the maximum grant, while those with incomes between 71 and 100 percent will have their grants prorated based on specific percentages. The previous income brackets have been updated, with new percentages set for different income ranges, including 50 percent for those earning between 71 and 80 percent, 25 percent for those earning between 81 and 90 percent, and 10 percent for those earning between 91 and 100 percent of the state median family income.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that provides an annual bridge grant of $500 for Washington college grant recipients who qualify for the maximum grant but are not part of the college bound scholarship program. This bridge grant is intended to help cover additional educational expenses beyond tuition and fees, such as books and housing. The grants will be awarded starting in the 2025-26 academic year, with eligibility contingent on students being enrolled at least half-time in higher education institutions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.92.205