Designating school district recreational properties as green community schoolyards and developing a model shared-use agreement to increase the use of existing playgrounds and playfields.
HB 1853 requires Washington school districts to designate all public outdoor recreational spaces (like playgrounds and fields) as "green community schoolyards" available for community use outside school hours. It mandates the state superintendent to create a model shared-use agreement policy covering scheduling, costs, liability, equity, and fee structures to facilitate community access. School districts adopting this model policy become eligible for adjusted state funding under the school construction program. The bill directly affects school districts, community groups, and residents - especially those in underserved areas - by expanding access to outdoor recreation spaces without new land acquisition. It aims to improve physical activity access, community cohesion, and climate resilience through existing school properties.
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
2
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Peter Abbarno
RRepublican
Co
Alex Ramel
DDemocratic
Co
Beth Doglio
DDemocratic
Co
Chipalo Street
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Stearns
DDemocratic
Co
Dave Stuebe
RRepublican
Co
Greg Nance
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Timmons
DDemocratic
Co
Mark Klicker
RRepublican
Co
Natasha Hill
DDemocratic
Co
Sharlett Mena
DDemocratic
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