Senate Bill 5624, introduced by 1St District State Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe last February, was signed into law on Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee. The legislation directs state education officials to create college degree programs in STEM studies at select community and technical colleges.
The bill passed the state Senate 48-1 on March 12, then the state House of Representatives 57-38 on April 12 before receiving the governor’s signature this week.
The legislation directs the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to develop and offer two programs of study that support the continuation of STEM or CTE currently being offered to students throughout the state in kindergarten through grade 12. No cost estimate or funding for the programs were included in the signed legislation.
“Community and technical colleges put STEM baccalaureate degrees within reach for our middle and lower class students,” said McAuliffe. “This new law connects these students with the opportunity for in-demand careers by offering STEM degrees.”
The two new bachelor degree offerings will join the 13 currently being offered at eight select community and technical colleges throughout the state.
Legislative District 1 includes Brier and Mountlake Terrace east of I-5, in addition to parts of Bothell, Kenmore and unincorporated South Snohomish County.
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