OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to improve how students track their progress on state and federal financial aid applications.

Substitute Senate Bill 5841 aims to integrate financial aid application data into Washington’s universal High School and Beyond Plan platform, allowing students, families, and authorized school staff to easily see whether the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) has been started or completed.

The House of Representatives approved the bill March 6 with a 92–4 vote. The Senate concurred with House amendments on March 9 and gave final approval with a 47–0 vote. The legislation has been sent to the governor for signature.

“Students shouldn’t miss out on financial aid because the process is confusing or difficult to track,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “This bill simply makes it easier for students and families to see where they are in the process and what still needs to be done.”

When enacted, the bill will require the universal High School and Beyond Plan platform to import financial aid application data maintained by the Washington Student Achievement Council. By placing FAFSA and WASFA completion information directly into the platform, students and counselors will be able to quickly see whether an application has been started, completed, or still needs attention.

The bill will also ensure students receive information about several financial aid opportunities, including the Washington Opportunity Scholarship, as part of their High School and Beyond Plan.

Washington continues to rank among the lower states nationally in FAFSA completion. Supporters say improving visibility around financial aid applications will help more students access grants and scholarships that reduce the cost of college, job training, or apprenticeships.

“College, trade school, apprenticeships — whatever path a student chooses — financial aid can make it possible,” Boehnke said. “If we make the process clearer and easier to follow, more students will take advantage of the help that’s already available.”

For more information about the legislation, including background on the bill when it passed the Senate, read the previous news release here.

The 60-day 2026 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on March 12.

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