Bill Tracking
Bill Tracking

Bill Tracking

We will track bills aligned with our legislative priorities, such as those that:

  • Increase funding for special education- remove the cap, increase the funding per student.
  • Increase funding for Materials, Supplies and Operating costs 
  • Support increase in transportation
  • Continue levy funding / require a simple majority for school bonds
  • Expand early learning and child care options for families 

Bills that support these goals:

  • HB 1120 focuses on adjusting the allocation of state funds for school staff salaries. It proposes revisions to how these funds are distributed to ensure more equitable compensation and to address disparities in salary funding across districts. The bill aims to enhance fairness and improve education staffing outcomes.
  • SB 5120 expands Washington’s Learning Assistance Program (LAP), aiming to increase both funding and hours of support for eligible students. Currently, the program provides an average of 1.5 hours per week of additional academic assistance. The bill proposes increasing this support to a minimum of 3 hours per week.
  • SB 5123 focuses on expanding protections for certain students in Washington public schools to foster inclusivity. The bill seeks to enhance measures that safeguard students’ rights, particularly those from marginalized groups, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and promoting a safe, welcoming learning environment for all.
  • SB 5009 modifies the student transportation allocation in Washington to allow for the use of various vehicle types, accommodating the diverse needs of student transport. This change aims to enhance flexibility in transportation options, ensuring more efficient and effective methods for safely transporting students across districts.  
  • SB 5192 addresses school district material supplies and operating costs by increasing funding allocations. The bill proposes a significant funding boost to ensure districts can meet operational and material needs effectively, providing schools with greater resources to manage day-to-day expenses and enhance educational delivery.
  • HB 1310 and companion bill SB 5307 increase state funding for special education by raising the funding formula for students with disabilities. It provides additional resources for districts to support specialized services, including individualized instruction, assistive technology, and staff training. This ensures more equitable access to high-quality education for students with disabilities across the state.
  • HB 1257 and its companion SB 5253 includes funding to support the extension of special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22. The funding helps districts cover the costs associated with providing additional services, ensuring that students continue to receive necessary support.

Other Bills to Pay Attention To:

  • HB 1020  aims to increase accessibility to academic reengagement opportunities for eligible students in Washington. The bill focuses on expanding support services for students who have been disengaged from education, offering additional resources and opportunities to reenter the academic environment and improve their educational outcomes.
  • SB 5126 proposes the creation of a statewide network to address student mental and behavioral health needs in Washington. The bill aims to expand access to mental health services, improve coordination between schools and providers, and ensure that students receive timely, effective support to promote well-being and academic success.

We look forward to helping this community have a voice in education policy decisions this session! 

As always, send us emails about bills we may have missed!

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