Washington SB5164: Student navigational support

What the bill says

An act Relating to student navigational supports to increase postsecondary enrollment; amending RCW 28B.50.940; adding a new section to chapter 28B.77 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.415 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to student navigational supports to increase postsecondary enrollment; amending RCW 28B.50.940; adding a new section to chapter 28B.77 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.415 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that Washington is ranked among the top states for the share of jobs requiring postsecondary education, and that large majorities of high school students self-report aspirations to continue their education beyond 12th grade. However, only an estimated 40 percent of Washington's high school class of 2021 is projected to obtain a postsecondary credential. This issue is particularly pressing for students from lower income households. The legislature further recognizes that the real or perceived cost of postsecondary education is a critical systemic barrier that impedes prospective students from applying for and enrolling in postsecondary education. This is despite Washington boasting one of the most expansive and equitable set of state-level postsecondary financial aid programs in the country. The legislature finds that counseling, advising, and coaching that help students with the postsecondary financial aid application and enrollment processes, and that provide hands-on assistance, are evidence-based approaches to increasing rates of postsecondary enrollment. The legislature further recognizes that school counselors and other on-site experts deliver comprehensive school counseling programs, which provide support for students and their families in securing postsecondary opportunities. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• T'wina Nobles (D) · primary sponsor
• Drew Hansen (D)
• Manka Dhingra (D)
• Yasmin Trudeau (D)
• Rebecca Saldaña (D)
• Joe Nguyen (D)
• Javier Valdez (D)
• Marko Liias (D)
• Claudia Kauffman (D)
• Mike Chapman (D)
• Jessica Bateman (D)
• Derek Stanford (D)

Latest actions

1. January 12, 2026: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
2. February 28, 2025: Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
3. February 17, 2025: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.
4. January 31, 2025: Referred to Ways & Means.
5. January 30, 2025: Minority; without recommendation.
6. January 30, 2025: Minority; do not pass.
7. January 30, 2025: And refer to Ways & Means.
8. January 30, 2025: HEWD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
9. January 30, 2025: Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM.
10. January 16, 2025: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM.

Votes

• Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5164 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (January 30, 2025): 3 yea, 1 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB5164?

SB5164 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Student navigational support.

What does SB5164 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to student navigational supports to increase postsecondary enrollment; amending RCW 28B.50.940; adding a new section to chapter 28B.77 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.415 RCW; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of SB5164?

In committee as of January 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (January 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5164?

T'wina Nobles (D), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB5164?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5164&Year=2025