SB 6260 establishes a reimbursement system for school districts to replace student transportation vehicles, requiring the superintendent to set annual payments based on vehicle category, lifetime, and inflation. It also mandates a statewide online "high school and beyond plan" platform for all students by 2020-21, requiring features like translation support, automatic academic data integration, and student privacy controls. The bill directs the superintendent to select a vendor by June 2024 and develop a full implementation plan by October 2024, including cost estimates and professional development. These changes directly affect school districts, students, and educators by altering transportation funding and creating a standardized digital tool for college/career planning.
SB 5346 requires Washington public school districts to adopt policies restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours by the 2026-27 school year. It directs the state superintendent to report on existing policies and recommend strategies (like time limits or secure storage) by December 2025, leading to a model policy developed by school directors. School districts must align their local policies with this model and share them annually with students and families. The bill excludes school-issued devices and defines "instructional hours" per existing law, focusing on reducing distractions and supporting mental health without specifying direct device bans.
HB 1795 prohibits the use of physical restraint, mechanical restraint, or isolation (seclusion) in Washington public schools for student discipline or staff convenience. It directly affects students, especially those with disabilities, and school staff by requiring schools to use behavioral intervention plans and functional behavioral assessments before implementing restraint. Key provisions include banning chemical restraint unless medically prescribed, defining "isolation" to exclude brief time-outs or emergencies, and mandating staff training in crisis prevention. The bill aims to protect students from traumatic practices while ensuring restraint is only used for immediate safety risks, not as punishment.
HB 1796 modifies the authority of Washington state school districts to borrow money for school construction, modernization, or property acquisition. It allows districts to issue bonds or other debt for these purposes without a direct public vote, provided they have prior voter approval for a school facilities levy and have not been under specific state oversight in the last three years. For debt exceeding $250,000, districts must publish public notice and hold a hearing before issuing the bonds. These public notice and hearing requirements do not apply to refinancing existing debt.
HB 1570 grants collective bargaining rights to student employees (those enrolled in academic or certificate programs) at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College. It defines specific bargaining topics, including tuition remission and waivers, while excluding issues like academic calendars, tuition amounts, student admissions, and termination based on academic performance. Compensation agreements must align with legislative budget limits, though institutions may offer additional pay beyond these limits. The bill applies only to employees not already covered by other collective bargaining laws at these institutions.
This bill updates Washington state's requirements for reviewing teacher and principal preparation programs. It mandates that the state education board periodically assess these programs using specific criteria - including program standards, educator role standards, evidence from programs, and input from school districts and community stakeholders - to ensure they prepare educators for modern classrooms. Programs must also develop partnership plans with local school districts for student teacher placements, prioritizing high-need subjects and geographic areas, and submit these plans to the state board every three years. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, and directly affect all approved teacher preparation programs and school districts in Washington.
SB 5825 authorizes the Washington State Leadership Board to accept gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources to support its existing programs. The board, which administers initiatives like Washington World Fellows (a college readiness fellowship) and Boundless Washington (an outdoor leadership program for youth with disabilities), can now use these funds to expand its mission of fostering youth leadership and civic engagement. The bill explicitly states that private donations must supplement, not replace, state appropriations and must be used for programs not previously funded by the legislature. It requires the board to publicly report all funds received and expenditures on its website.
SB 5956 prohibits Washington public schools from using artificial intelligence (AI) or surveillance technologies to make or solely determine student discipline decisions, such as suspensions or expulsions. It bans "risk scores" predicting student misconduct, biometric tracking for emotional/mental health analysis, and automated watchlists, requiring human review for any discipline action involving AI or surveillance data. The law directly affects all K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and tribal education programs in Washington, mandating updates to policies to prevent discriminatory impacts on students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ students. It also restricts sharing student data with law enforcement except in emergencies involving imminent serious physical harm.
SB 5961 transfers Washington's Imagination Library program - providing free monthly books to children from birth to age five - from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The bill requires the new administrator (a Washington-based nonprofit) to manage program operations, establish local affiliate programs, and partner with a national foundation to deliver books at no cost to families. Funding will come from a 50% payment by the nonprofit to the national foundation and the remaining cost from affiliate programs, with the Superintendent allowed to seek private donations. This change affects eligible children, local affiliates, and the nonprofit managing the program, streamlining oversight under education leadership.
SB 5992 creates a state-funded account to support youth development programs for Washington youth aged 5-24, prioritizing underserved communities. The fund, financed by public and private contributions, will provide grants to nonprofits, tribal organizations, parks departments, and community partners to offer after-school programs, mentorship, career navigation, and culturally relevant activities. It requires equitable geographic distribution of funds and prioritizes youth facing systemic barriers, including those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income backgrounds. Grants must be reported annually on program impacts, with tribal consultation required for projects affecting Native communities.
