Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1748

Introduced
1/30/25  

Caption

Conducting a study of credit history, credit-based insurance scores, and other rate factors in making rates for personal insurance.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1748 would lead to significant amendments in existing state laws related to education financing. The proposed changes are designed to make higher education more affordable by restructuring how state aid is administered and accessed. By reducing the barriers for low-income students to receive financial assistance, the bill could potentially increase enrollment and graduation rates, ultimately enabling a more educated workforce to enter the job market.

Summary

House Bill 1748 addresses concerns regarding the financial burdens of education on students and aims to recalibrate the state's approach towards funding and supporting higher education. The bill proposes significant changes to the current student loan system, particularly targeting the reduction of interest levels and increasing access to federal aid for low-income students. The intent is to alleviate financial stress on students, with a long-term goal of fostering greater educational attainment and economic stability for graduates.

Sentiment

There is a generally favorable sentiment surrounding HB 1748 among educational advocates and stakeholders. Supporters claim that the bill is a necessary evolution in state policy that reflects the rising costs of education and the need for more substantial support for students. However, some critics have raised concerns regarding the financial implications of the bill, questioning whether the proposed funding mechanisms would be sustainable in the long run. This has sparked a debate about funding priorities and resource allocations within the state's budget.

Contention

Despite the overall favorable view of HB 1748, certain points of contention have emerged during discussions. One major area of dispute revolves around how the state will fund the proposed increases in financial assistance without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. Moreover, there is concern among some legislators that the focus on reducing interest rates could detract from essential reforms aimed at improving the quality of educational programs. The debate highlights a balancing act between financial support for students and the state's fiscal responsibility.

Companion Bills

WA SB5589

Crossfiled Conducting a study of credit history, credit-based insurance scores, and other rate factors in making rates for personal insurance.

Previously Filed As

WA HB2329

Conducting a study of the insurance market for housing providers receiving housing trust fund resources.

WA HB1646

Promoting lower insurance premiums by creating a variable insurance premiums tax rate that does not exceed two percent.

WA HB1811

Concerning reasonable exceptions to insurance rates for consumers whose credit information is influenced by extraordinary life circumstances.

WA HB1815

Creating a business and occupation tax deduction and increasing the tax rate for persons conducting payment card processing activities.

WA SB5733

Creating a business and occupation tax deduction and increasing the tax rate for persons conducting payment card processing activities.

WA HB1339

Adjusting the insurance premium tax rate.

WA HB1095

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

WA SB5109

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

WA HB2273

Conducting a study of functional recovery building code standards.

WA SB5319

Concerning pet insurance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.