Committee hears bill to allow Washington students at certain out‑of‑state nonprofit branches to access state financial aid

House Bill 2671, presented to the Postsecondary Education Workforce Committee on Feb. 25, would expand eligibility to participate in Washington’s state financial‑aid programs to in‑state branches, extensions or facilities affiliated with nonprofit out‑of‑state institutions if they meet specified longevity, accreditation and Title IV requirements.

Saranda Ross, committee staff, said the bill would allow an in‑state branch that has offered degree programs in Washington for 10 years (and in its home state for 20 years), maintained accreditation for 10 years through an accrediting association recognized by WOSAC, and retained Title IV eligibility to participate in state aid programs. The change mirrors prior legislation that adjusted regulation of degree‑granting institutions and would align financial aid statute with that framework.

Dave Thurman, dean and CEO of Northeastern University Seattle, testified in strong support. He told the committee Northeastern’s Seattle campus has operated for more than 13 years, serves over 1,000 students annually and is preparing to launch allied‑health programming, including an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Thurman said HB 2671 would not create new state aid programs or increase state spending; it would allow Washington residents attending qualifying branch campuses to access existing state aid resources to help meet the state’s nursing and allied‑health workforce needs.

Committee members asked few questions. Rep. Timmons framed the bill as a follow‑up to prior legislation (HB 1572) and said he did not expect movement this session but wanted to surface the issue for future work. The committee closed the public hearing on HB 2671 after testimony and did not take an immediate vote.