HB 1475 suspends $5,000 annual bonuses for certificated instructional staff (teachers) who hold National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, effective for the 2025-26 through 2028-29 school years. The bill halts payments that would otherwise be made under existing law, which previously provided these bonuses (adjusted for inflation) to certified teachers, plus an additional $5,000 for those working in high-poverty schools meeting specific criteria. This suspension applies to all eligible teachers regardless of school poverty designation during the specified years. The change does not alter the underlying bonus structure or eligibility rules but temporarily stops payments for four consecutive school years.
HB 1216 is Washington State's capital budget bill for fiscal years 2026-2027, allocating specific funds for state projects. It provides $1.5 million for the Secretary of State's archives HVAC system, $14.2 million for 2026 FIFA World Cup infrastructure (including $4.1 million for Seattle's stadium), and $52 million for early learning facility grants to expand childcare capacity. The bill specifies that funds must be used strictly for designated purposes (e.g., construction, renovations, or loan programs), with no administrative costs for certain allocations. It also includes conditions requiring departments to develop methods for identifying early childhood education needs based on school district data.
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.
HB 2007 expands Washington state high school graduation options by adding competency-based assessments as a valid pathway for students to demonstrate college and career readiness in English language arts and math. It directly affects public high school students, allowing them to meet graduation requirements through assessments that measure mastery rather than just test scores or course completion. Key provisions include establishing new rules for competency-based assessments under section (2)(d), creating a performance-based learning option (2)(f) where students showcase skills via projects or portfolios, and requiring schools to provide annual information about all pathways to students and families. The bill does not mandate specific assessments but gives schools flexibility to adopt them while aligning with state learning standards.
SB 5275 modifies how funds for two student aid programs are managed. It requires the Passport to Careers program (for job-training scholarships) and the Washington College Grant to be funded through a dedicated state financial aid account, ensuring these funds remain available year-to-year without expiring. The bill clarifies that money for these programs must be deposited into this account and can only be used for their intended purposes, with no changes to the actual grant amounts or eligibility rules. This policy change ensures consistent funding for students seeking career training or college education through these specific programs.
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.
SB 5523 requires community college districts in Washington to appoint a student trustee to their governing boards. The student trustee, selected by the governor from a list submitted by student governments, must be a full-time student (enrolled in at least 10 credits) in good academic standing. The bill mandates this position for all community college districts, with the student serving a one-year term starting July 2026, and grants them voting rights on board matters. This policy aims to incorporate student perspectives directly into governance decisions affecting campus life and services.
HB 1020 creates a structured system to help students aged 16-21 who are not on track to graduate high school reengage with education. It requires school districts to partner with community colleges, educational service districts, or community-based organizations to provide programs offering academic instruction (including free college courses at community colleges), career counseling, and case management. These programs must generate high school credits toward diplomas or equivalency certificates and address barriers to success. The bill defines "eligible students" as those under 21 not accumulating sufficient credits or recommended by social services/juvenile justice systems. It directs the state education office to develop rules with input from colleges and community organizations.
HB 2046 imposes a tax of $8 for every $1,000 in market value on Washington residents' financial intangible assets (like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds) exceeding $50 million in value. It exempts assets such as private company ownership, pensions, retirement accounts, and the first $50 million of holdings. Revenue from this tax will fund K-12 schools, early learning programs, child care, and higher education through the Education Legacy Trust Account. The bill targets high-value financial investments held by residents while excluding common retirement and private business assets.
SB 5618 requires all Washington state universities, regional universities, and the state college to clearly display specific admissions data on their websites. The bill mandates posting scoring criteria (like rubrics and weights for GPA, tests, and essays), demographic data of applicants and acceptees (including race, income, and residency), and GPA statistics for both groups. This applies to both general college admissions and program-specific admissions. The goal is to make admissions processes more transparent for prospective students and the public. The bill is currently in its first reading stage.
