Legislature passes several bills to support higher education

With the Washington legislative session wrapping to a close, new legislation will allow local higher education institutions to utilize new recruitment and planning tools.

One measure gives higher ed outlets access to more high school student information. Another moves forward by six months a timeframe to set tuition rates — a budgeting benefit for students and institutions alike. Additionally, several bills focused on student welfare will pass.

"Overall, it's been a very good session, the House and Senate have each supported some of our top priorities, and we've been successful in shepherding some important legislation across the finish line in partnership with others," said Nora Selander, Western Washington University's director of government relations, at the April 14 Board of Trustees meeting.