Yesterday (Jan. 30) at an afternoon press conference, Senate Higher Education Chair Barbara Bailey (R-Whidbey Island) announced the introduction of Senate Bill 6523, referred to as the REAL Hope Act.
The proposal, which mirrors the so-called “DREAM Act” would allow students who were illegally brought to the United States as children to be eligible for state financial aid. Notably, the bill appropriates $5 million to the State Need Grant program.
Also sponsoring the bill are Senators Tom, Fain, Litzow, Hill, and Dammeier.
A vote is expected as early as today (Jan. 31) on the REAL Hope Act, along with Senate Bill 5318, which removes the one-year waiting period for veterans or active members of the military for purposes of eligibility for resident tuition.
Read more in the Seattle Times.