Yesterday the Washington State Senate passed HB 1368, omnibus legislation that appropriates a total of $2.2 billion in federal funds for various COVID-19 relief efforts, including $5 million in emergency financial aid grants for undocumented students.  The bill also includes funding for K-12 public schools, public health, healthcare, assistance to individuals and families, housing assistance, and business assistance.  The funding for emergency financial aid grants will be appropriated to the Washington Student Achievement Council, which is responsible for disbursing the grant funds to colleges and universities across the state.  According to the legislation, grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis subject to availability of amounts.

The legislation passed the Senate 47-2 and passed the House last week 61-36.  Governor Inslee is expected to sign the legislation into law in the coming weeks.