Concerning school library information and technology programs.

HB 1727 requires all Washington school districts to adopt policies by September 1, 2026, guaranteeing every K-12 student access to school library information and technology programs staffed by qualified teacher-librarians. The bill defines "teacher-librarian" as a certificated educator with a library media endorsement and mandates that programs support state learning standards, digital citizenship, and information literacy. Districts with fewer than 3,000 students may use non-certified staff temporarily if they’ve made reasonable efforts to hire certified librarians and partner with other districts or libraries. The legislation aims to address current gaps, as 60% of districts lack certified librarian staffing, disproportionately impacting low-income and students of color. It emphasizes programs must be school-based and align with educational technology integration and literacy goals.