Establishing empowerED scholarships using educational savings accounts.
HB 1140 would create the empowerED scholarship program, allowing families to use state-funded educational savings accounts for options like private schools, homeschooling, or charter schools instead of being restricted to neighborhood public schools. It prioritizes students with special education needs, low-income families, and those in underperforming public schools. The bill shifts education funding from schools to families, requiring state funds to follow enrolled students to their chosen educational setting. This aims to address concerns about public school performance, safety, and accessibility by introducing competition into the education system.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 8:00 AM.
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 1140
Scope: WA
Hi! I can help you understand HB 1140. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline