HB 1709 authorizes trained, parent-designated adults to provide care, including administering emergency medication, to students with adrenal insufficiency in Washington public schools. The bill requires school districts to develop individual health plans for these students and adopt policies for their care, such as medication storage and emergency procedures. Parent-designated adults must volunteer, be authorized by the student's parents, and complete specific training. This legislation also extends liability protection to school districts, employees, and these designated adults who act in good faith according to the student's health plan. This measure aims to ensure students with adrenal insufficiency receive necessary medical support when a school nurse is not available.
Senate Bill 5263 modifies how special education programs are funded in Washington state, directly affecting local school districts and students with disabilities. The bill increases the state's funding multipliers used to calculate excess costs for special education students, including a higher multiplier for younger students and a new single multiplier for older students, while also removing a previous enrollment cap on these allocations. Additionally, it revises the criteria for "safety net" funding, removing a provision that considered extraordinary costs related to community demographics, and continues to focus on high-cost needs for individual students. This bill was signed by the Governor on May 19, 2025, and becomes effective on July 27, 2025.
SB 5790 changes how annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for academic and classified employees at Washington's community and technical colleges. Previously, these salary increases were based on the consumer price index. Starting with the 2025-2027 budget cycle, the bill switches to using the implicit price deflator, a different economic measure, to determine the COLA rate. This ensures that the state continues to fully fund these adjustments for eligible college staff.
This bill (HB 1351) adjusts the eligibility requirements for children to access Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). It clarifies that an eligible child must be at least three years old by August 31st of the school year and not yet age-eligible for kindergarten. The bill updates income thresholds for families, shifting from federal poverty levels to state median income percentages over time. Additionally, it expands eligibility to include children experiencing homelessness or those who have participated in other specific early childhood support programs.
Substitute Senate Bill 5025 updates the requirements for educational interpreters who assist deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing students in Washington schools. It directs the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to establish new standards, identify assessments, and create a certification system for these interpreters, including separate standards for deaf and deaf-blind interpreters. The bill introduces two types of certificates: a limited certificate for those meeting a basic performance standard, and a full certificate for those meeting a higher standard, with all interpreters generally required to be certified by the 2027-28 school year. It allows for a temporary period where interpreters can continue working while pursuing certification and mandates that the PESB publicly report certification data annually.
House Bill 1167 directs the existing statewide career and technical education task force to specifically consider educational opportunities for careers in maritime professions. The bill expands the task force's mandate, requiring it to develop recommendations for strengthening and expanding access to work-integrated learning, including career and technical education and apprenticeship programs, with a particular focus on the maritime sector. These recommendations will cover aspects like curricula, industry partnerships, educator training, and alignment with postsecondary programs. The aim is to enhance and standardize career and technical education programs to better prepare students for jobs in maritime industries.
HB 1572 modifies higher education accreditation standards in Washington State. It updates the criteria for the state's higher education council to recognize accrediting agencies, requiring them to maintain rigorous standards for institutional quality, student learning, and financial responsibility. The bill also revises the conditions for certain out-of-state nonprofit institutions operating in Washington to be exempt from specific state regulations. Instead of requiring separate accreditation, these institutions must now meet new criteria related to their operating history, continuous accreditation, eligibility for federal student aid, and academic standing.
Senate Bill 5641 encourages public school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington state to offer instruction on blood donation awareness. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, this instruction may be included in health classes required for graduation for students in grades 9-12. The bill specifies that the awareness programs should be provided by nationally recognized organizations, such as the American Red Cross or Bloodworks Northwest. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will post links to these approved instructional programs on its website. This initiative aims to educate students about the importance of blood donation and opportunities to participate.
HB 1393 requires public school districts in Washington state to permit students to wear items or objects of cultural significance with their gowns at high school commencement ceremonies and other official graduation events. This policy applies to all public schools, including charter and state-tribal education compact schools. Students' cultural items must be appropriate for the ceremony and adhere to school district decorum requirements. However, school districts retain the authority to prohibit items that would cause a substantial disruption or material interference with the event.
House Bill 1722 addresses state-level age restrictions affecting 16 and 17-year-old students in secondary career and technical education programs. It directs state agencies to review and revise rules that create barriers for these students in fields such as emergency medical services (EMS) and fire services. Specifically, it creates a process for 16-year-olds to begin EMS training and requires the Director of Fire Protection to assess age restrictions for fire services training and certification. The bill also prevents minors with professional licenses requiring competency in preventing infectious disease transmission from being prohibited from occupations due to exposure risks.
