Education

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.

SB 5828 adjusts the maximum Washington College Grant amount for students attending private four-year nonprofit institutions in Washington. Currently capped at $9,739 for 2019-20 (with annual increases limited by tuition growth), the grant will change starting in 2026-27 to equal 50% of the average award given to students at public four-year institutions. This directly affects students enrolled at qualifying private nonprofit colleges in Washington, ensuring their grant amount aligns with public institution funding trends. The bill amends existing grant program rules without altering eligibility for the separate College Bound Scholarship program.

SB 5327 directs the State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to review and update learning standards and graduation requirements concerning computer science and financial education for K-12 students. The State Board of Education must recommend adjustments to high school graduation requirements to ensure students can demonstrate foundational skills in these subjects, considering various credit and competency options. Concurrently, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will update K-12 computer science learning standards and review financial education standards. The bill also requires the State Board to collect information from school districts on their current offerings and implementation needs for these subjects, and clarifies that school districts must provide all high school students opportunities to access financial education learning standards.

HB 2049 aims to enhance funding for K-12 education and communities by modifying state and local property tax authority and adjusting the school funding formula. The bill revises the maximum dollar amount school districts can levy for enrichment, setting it as the lesser of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or a per-pupil limit. This per-pupil limit is updated with specific "inflation enhancements" through 2030 and establishes a new base amount starting in 2031, impacting funding based on student enrollment. Additionally, it adjusts how the state provides local effort assistance funding to supplement these school district enrichment levies.