Substitute House Bill 15-57 was reported out of the Washington House Higher Education Committee on a due-pass recommendation after the panel adopted Amendment Ross 77.

The amendment and final committee action. Rep. Reid moved Amendment Ross 77, which she described as changes “to streamline the bill” and to “significantly reduce[] the fiscal note of the bill.” After discussion and a voice vote on the amendment, the committee adopted it. Vice Chair Nance then moved that the adopted amendments be incorporated into Substitute House Bill 15-57 and that the substitute be reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The clerk announced the roll call and staff later reported “11 ayes and 6 nays.”

Why it matters. The bill would expand a guaranteed admissions program, codifying a pathway the sponsor said builds on a pilot and the Council of Presidents’ work. Supporters framed it as a way to create a “friction-free pathway between K-12 and higher ed” and to increase college enrollment statewide. Opponents on the committee voiced reservations about potential effects on retention and outcomes for students from varying districts.

Key debate and context. Rep. Reid, sponsor of the amendment and proponent of the bill, urged colleagues to support the amendment to reduce reporting burdens and fiscal impact, saying the guaranteed admissions program “builds upon the great work that the Council of Presidents and our institutions of higher education have been already doing through our pilot program.” Ranking Member Ybarra said his side would be “a mixed vote” on the amendment and later the bill, citing concerns including differences in student populations across districts and possible impacts on dropout rates. Rep. McIntyre and others recorded “nay without recommendation” votes during the roll call.

Vote details. The committee clerk and staff announced the roll call results. The clerk recorded a mix of votes during roll call; staff later summarized the tally as 11 ayes and 6 nays on the motion to report the substitute bill out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

What happens next. With the committee’s due-pass recommendation, the substitute bill moves to the next steps in the House process. The committee discussion indicated sponsors expect further floor amendments and continued work sessions with institutions and stakeholders on implementation details.