In a significant move to enhance educational equity, Washington State has officially enacted House Bill 1556, a new law aimed at broadening access to tuition waivers for younger students seeking high school diplomas through community and technical colleges.
Signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson, HB 1556 eliminates the previous age restriction that limited tuition waiver eligibility to students aged 19 and older. Under the new legislation, students as young as 16 can now qualify for these waivers, removing a long-standing financial barrier for youth who have left the traditional K-12 system but are eager to continue their education.
Sponsored by Representative Debra Entenman, the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing unanimously in both chambers of the state legislature—97-0 in the House and 49-0 in the Senate.
“This bill is about equity and access,” Rep. Entenman said in a statement. “Every student deserves a chance to succeed, no matter their age or circumstance.”
The legislation is expected to significantly impact Washington’s community and technical college system, which has historically offered alternative education pathways such as GED programs and adult high school completion. By lowering the age requirement, HB 1556 opens the door for more students who are ready to re-engage with education but may not have previously had the means to do so.
Supporters of the bill say the new policy empowers younger individuals to pursue academic and career goals earlier, whether by preparing for the workforce or laying the foundation for a future college degree.
With the passage of HB 1556, Washington reinforces its commitment to inclusive and flexible education solutions for all learners, regardless of their age or background.
