Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5909: Undergraduate programs
Status: In committee, February 26, 2026
Reviewing and discontinuing low-enrollment undergraduate programs at public baccalaureate institutions.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the review and discontinuance of low-enrollment undergraduate programs at public baccalaureate institutions; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the review and discontinuance of low-enrollment undergraduate programs at public baccalaureate institutions; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Low-enrollment program" means an undergraduate degree program at a public baccalaureate institution that produces fewer than 10 graduates per academic year, averaged over the most recent five-year period. (2) "Public baccalaureate institution" has the same meaning as the state universities and regional universities defined under RCW 28B.10.016. (3) "Teach-out plan" means a plan developed by a public baccalaureate institution to ensure that students currently enrolled in a discontinued program have a reasonable opportunity to complete their degree. (4) "Undergraduate degree program" means a program at a public baccalaureate institution where a student receives a baccalaureate degree at completion of the program. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) Each governing board of a public baccalaureate institution shall annually identify and compile a list of low-enrollment programs. (2) A program that appears on the low-enrollment list for three consecutive years is subject to a discontinuance review by the governing board. (3) In conducting the discontinuance review, the governing board must consider extenuating circumstances including, but not limited (b) Equity and access considerations; (c) Workforce …
Sponsors
- Matt Boehnke (R) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Senate Rules "X" file.
- : Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
- : Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : Minority; do not pass.
- : WM - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM.
- : Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.
- : Referred to Ways & Means.
- : And refer to Ways & Means.
Votes
- Senate Committee on Ways & Means: Do pass (February 9, 2026): 19 yea, 3 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development: Do pass (January 22, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Common questions
- What is SB5909?
- SB5909 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Undergraduate programs.
- What does SB5909 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the review and discontinuance of low-enrollment undergraduate programs at public baccalaureate institutions; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5909?
- In committee as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senate Rules "X" file. (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5909?
- Matt Boehnke (R).
- Where is the official record for SB5909?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5909&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.