Using only letter grades in schools of medicine.
SB 6251 requires the University of Washington and Washington State University medical schools to use letter grades (A-F) or a four-tier system for all coursework in medical degree and certificate programs. The bill mandates that these schools assess student performance through standardized grading, replacing any non-letter grading systems currently used. This policy change directly affects medical students and faculty at these two institutions by standardizing how academic progress is evaluated. The legislation aims to create consistent, objective feedback for students throughout their medical education.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2026
Last action Jan 29, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development at 1:30 PM.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Judy Warnick
RRepublican
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