Bill would link high-school planning platform to state financial-aid data
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Summary
Substitute SB 5,841 would expand the state's High School and Beyond Plan platform to import Washington Student Achievement Council financial-aid application data and add the Washington Opportunity Scholarship to required student counseling information.
Substitute SB 5,841 would expand the universal online High School and Beyond Plan platform to include the ability to import financial-aid application data maintained by the Washington Student Achievement Council so students, parents and authorized school staff can view application progress and completion status.
Ethan Moreno, nonpartisan committee staff, said the measure also adds the Washington Opportunity Scholarship Program to the list of programs that students must demonstrate they have received information about for their High School and Beyond Plan. The underlying state transition to a universal online plan platform, ordered in 2023 legislation, is underway and scheduled for completion in the 2026-27 school year.
Sen. Boehnke, the sponsor, said the bill streamlines access to millions of dollars in financial aid by making application status visible and creating a dashboard that can push notifications and reduce confusion for students and families, particularly in communities with language barriers. He said the bill includes an opt-in element to address privacy concerns for immigrant and DACA students.
Student and parent witnesses supported the bill. Sandra Gerard, representing the Washington Student Association, testified in favor and urged improved access to financial-aid information to increase degree enrollment and completion. The committee record showed 17 pro and two other sign-ins for formal testimony.
The committee did not vote on SB 5,841 during the hearing; staff and sponsors addressed follow-up questions about data privacy and opt-in mechanics.
