The House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 18 voted to report out Substitute House Bill 1557 with a “due pass” recommendation after adopting an amendment intended to streamline the proposal and reduce its fiscal impact.

The amendment, moved by Representative Mia Reid and identified in committee as “Ross 077,” trims reporting requirements for the guaranteed-admissions pilot and clarifies implementation steps for the public–private program. The committee then voted to report the substitute bill out with the recommended changes.

Nut graf: Supporters said the bill would expand an existing guaranteed-admissions pilot and align Washington with other states that offer direct admissions programs, while the amendment seeks to preserve philanthropic partnerships and limit additional annual reporting costs.

Representative Mia Reid, sponsor of the amendment and a lead proponent on the bill, told the committee the changes “streamline the bill” and “significantly reduce the fiscal note,” arguing the pilot’s public–private design had relied on philanthropic support and should not overburden taxpayers. Reid asked the committee for support for both the amendment and the substitute.

Ranking Member Joe Ybarra and others signaled they would split their votes, expressing concern about differences in student populations across districts and possible effects on retention and completion. Ybarra said the bill contained “a lot of good things” but cautioned the committee would seek improvements as the legislation moves forward.

After discussion, the committee chair called the roll. The clerk announced 11 ayes and 6 nays and the chair declared Substitute House Bill 1557 reported out of committee with the due pass recommendation.

Votes at a glance — committee roll call (as recorded in the committee): Chair Paul — yes; Vice Chair Nance — yes; Representative Ybarra — yes; Representative McIntyre — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Entenmann — yes; Representative Graham — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Keaton — yes; Representative Levitt — yes; Representative Lee — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Mendoza — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Paulette — yes; Representative Reid — yes; Representative Rude — no (do not pass); Representative Salahuddin — yes; Representative Schmidt — no (nay without recommendation); Representative Thomas — yes; Representative Timmons — yes. Tally: 11 yes, 6 no.

Background and next steps: Committee discussion framed the bill as a way to formalize a pilot that offers direct admission pathways between K–12 and institutions of higher education. Supporters tied the measure to efforts to increase college enrollment and connection to the Washington College Grant; critics said additional safeguards are needed to avoid unintended consequences for completion rates in different communities. The bill will next proceed to the House for further consideration and possible floor amendments.

Ending: Committee members said they expected additional work on the bill as it moves through the process and that future floor amendments could further refine reporting and implementation details.