In response to the request of a young service member, Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, has introduced legislation to require higher education institutions to provide an early registration period for military members and dependents.
On Friday, House Bill 2004 unanimously passed the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee and will now go to a vote before the full House of Representatives.
"Providing early registration for our military and their dependents is the least we can do for those who put their lives on the line for their nation, state and communities," McEntire said in a statement. "They are making the ultimate sacrifice. This allows us to respect and show dignity to those who serve and protect us."
According to a Friday news release, the legislation would provide early course registration to eligible veterans, National Guard members, active duty military members, and their spouses, domestic partners and dependents.
"I have been in the military for 13 years. Sometimes, you have no control when you are called to serve. Military service doesn't always line up with higher education registration. This would benefit our servicemen and women who are working on furthering their education," McEntire said in a statement. "This bill has bipartisan support. This policy has been in place before but expired, we are expanding it to include dependents."
The 2024 legislative session began on Monday and will end on March 7.
