Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
HB 1762
Brief Description: Prohibiting institutions of higher education from requiring students to live on campus.
Sponsors: Representatives Keaton, Pollet, Rude, Salahuddin, Jacobsen, Berg, Zahn, Simmons, Ormsby and Reed.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students to live on campus.
Hearing Date: 2/12/25
Staff: Saranda Ross (786-7068).
Background:

The University of Washington, Western Washington University, the Evergreen State College,?and community and technical colleges do not require students to live on campus.

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Central Washington University requires all full-time single freshman and sophomore students under 21 years of age to live on campus.

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Eastern Washington University requires all full-time single first-year students under 21 years of age to live on campus throughout their first year.

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Washington State University requires all single undergraduate students under 20 years of age to live on campus for one academic year.

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Institutions that require students to live on campus allow for various exceptions, such as students:

  • living with parents or relatives;
  • who have primary legal custody of a child;
  • who would face undue financial hardship living on campus;
  • with medical reasons;
  • with certain prior college experiences; or
  • with other unique situations approved by the institution.
Summary of Bill:

Public institutions of higher education may not require students to live on campus or in university residence hall facilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 8, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.