SB 5418 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning charter school contracts.

SB 5418 updates the laws governing charter school contracts in Washington State. It clarifies which specific state laws charter schools must comply with, including those related to health, safety, civil rights, basic education, and open public meetings, while reaffirming their exemption from other district rules to allow for flexibility. The bill requires authorizers and charter school boards to execute a contract within 90 days of application approval, outlining the necessary content for these agreements, such as academic and operational performance expectations. It also sets the initial charter contract term at five operating years.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Feb 26, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to reflect its progression from initial introduction to a substitute version, including a change in the reading date and committee referral. The most significant substantive change is the addition of RCW 28A.300.750 to the list of statutes being amended, indicating new provisions regarding charter school contracts. Additionally, the requirement for exemptions from basic education standards was clarified to require explicit authorization via the charter contract rather than just being included within it.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded by adding a reference to RCW 28A.300.750, suggesting new rules or definitions related to charter school contracts were incorporated into the legislation.

TIMELINE

The bill's reading date was updated from January 22, 2025, to February 14, 2025, reflecting its movement through the legislative process.

TECHNICAL

The committee referral was updated to explicitly name the 'Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education' committee, clarifying the specific legislative body handling the bill.

SCOPE

RCW 28A.300.750 was added to the list of statutes being amended, indicating the inclusion of new provisions related to charter school contracts.

REQUIREMENT

The language regarding exemptions from basic education requirements was tightened to require that such exemptions be 'authorized pursuant to the charter contract,' ensuring they are formally approved rather than just included.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 25, 2025

How they voted

50–1

Passed

Total votes 51

Feb 25, 2025

D Democratic31

30 Yea 1 Nay

96% Yea

R Republican20

20 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 12, 2026

Introduced

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 1:30 PM.

lower

Feb 25, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (50-1)

senate

Feb 13, 2025

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 10:30 AM.

upper

Feb 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 10:30 AM.

upper

1 primary · 3 co-sponsors