Priority registration to higher ed.

Spouses of active and reserve members of the U.S. military and the National Guard will soon have access to early course registration in Washington's public institutions of higher education following the governor's signature today on a bill sponsored by 10th District State Rep. Dave Hayes
This morning (Friday), Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1052, which gives military spouses priority registration for higher education institutions in Washington.
The suggestion for legislation came from Christian Arciniega of Granite Falls, whose husband, Andres, is in the National Guard. They came to Olympia today, along with their daughters, Kayla and Ava, to witness the bill signing.
"It is an honor for me to sponsor this legislation on behalf of military spouses. This new law will give a new sense of certainty to active duty military spouses in our state," said Hayes, R-Camano Island. "These husbands and wives are often times at the mercy of their spouses' deployment schedule. This bill ensures they receive priority registration at our colleges and universities and furthers their ability to graduate on time.”
Under the bill, beginning in the 2015-16 academic year, institutions of higher education that offer any early course registration to students must have a process in place to offer early course registration to students who are the spouses of eligible veterans or National Guard members who are receiving veteran's education benefits.
"This is a benefit we had previously given to our active members in the military to open doors for their education. It is right to also extend this to their spouses," added Hayes. "This legislation recognizes the service and sacrifice of our military families. I'm very pleased that the Legislature has agreed to the merit of the bill and that it will now become law under the governor's signature."
The bill passed the Senate unanimously on April 9 after receiving support in the Senate Higher Education Committee from Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. It will become effective July 25. The 2015 regular session is scheduled to adjourn April 26.