Education

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1143: Concerning Washington college grant award amounts.

HB 1143 adjusts Washington College Grant (WCG) award amounts for students attending different types of higher education institutions. It sets specific annual dollar limits (e.g., $9,739 for 4-year private non-profits, $3,694 for 2-year private non-profits) that increase each year beginning in 2025-26 by no more than Washington's median wage growth rate. The bill differentiates funding based on institution type (public, private non-profit, for-profit) and whether the institution signs an affidavit agreeing to certain terms. Students at institutions that sign the affidavit receive the higher specified amounts, while others receive amounts based on the prior academic year's tuition.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts state grant funding for colleges with annual increases tied to wage growth, directly increasing state budget allocation for higher education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdjusts WCG grant amounts with annual increases, expanding higher education financial aid access for students at different institution types.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

signed · Washington · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 5346: Restricting mobile device usage by public school students.

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.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill mandates restrictions on student mobile device use during instruction, directly limiting classroom technology access and student behavior in learning environments, aligning with 'restricts curriculum or academic freedom' indicators.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts mobile device use during school instruction, directly limiting technology access in educational settings per bill requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

in committee · Washington · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 1873: Increasing access to the working connections child care program for graduate and professional students.

HB 1873 expands Washington State’s Working Connections Child Care program to include graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at higher education institutions. It sets eligibility at household income of 85% or less of the state median income (adjusted for family size), requires children to be under 13 or under 19 with a verified special need, and waives copayments where federal law allows (capping at $15). The bill also clarifies that two-parent households cannot be denied care based on the other parent’s availability and ensures graduate students qualify for full-time child care assistance under the program. These changes apply immediately upon enactment, with income thresholds and copayment rules adjusted to align with existing program tiers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded child care program access, increasing public spending on essential services without tax changes, aligning with funding public programs indicator.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands child care access for graduate/professional students at higher education institutions, directly removing barriers to educational access for this group.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands child care access for student workers, reducing a key barrier to employment and supporting workforce participation through program eligibility adjustments.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1838: Expanding access to the Washington college grant to students enrolled in certificate programs for high-demand fields.

HB 1838 expands Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in certificate programs for high-demand fields, directly affecting Washington residents pursuing these shorter-term credentials. The bill amends eligibility rules to include certificate programs (determined by the state office) alongside traditional college degrees and apprenticeships, while maintaining existing financial need requirements. Key provisions require students to demonstrate financial need, be state residents, and enroll in approved high-demand fields to qualify for the grant. This change aims to increase access to workforce training for in-demand occupations without altering the grant's core funding structure or application process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state grant program funding for certificate programs, increasing public education spending without tax changes, aligning with funding essential public services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands state college grant program to cover certificate programs in high-demand fields, directly increasing educational access and funding for students pursuing shorter-term credentials while maintaining financial need requirements.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands education access for high-demand fields, enhancing workforce development and employment opportunities in key sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1257: Extending special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22.

HB 1257 extends special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22, instead of ending at age 21. This change directly affects students with disabilities aged 16-22 who require transition planning to move from school to postsecondary life. The bill amends state education statutes to align with a federal court ruling finding Washington’s prior policy violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It also requires state agencies to update transition planning by October 2026, ensuring services supplement rather than replace other support programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends special education services until age 22 to comply with IDEA, protecting student access and transition planning for disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5003: Establishing the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program.

SB 5003 creates a competitive grant program under Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction to improve physical security at K-12 public schools. Public school districts can apply for grants covering eligible projects like entrance security systems, fencing, perimeter barriers, and infrastructure redesigns to streamline access. Grants are capped at $2 million per district over two years, with no more than 3% of funds allowed for administrative costs. The program requires annual progress reports to the legislature detailing applications, funding requests, and approved projects starting December 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides competitive grants for school security infrastructure improvements, directly enhancing K-12 school safety and physical facilities per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1579: Providing adequate and predictable student transportation.

HB 1579 requires Washington school districts to report detailed transportation data for specific student groups, including those with special education needs, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or attending skill centers. It mandates the state superintendent to develop a new funding model by 2028 that addresses unique challenges in rural and urban districts, and establishes a $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs. The bill directly affects school districts and the students in these four priority groups by changing how transportation funding is calculated and reported. Districts must submit quarterly reports on mileage, ridership, and costs, with funds for homeless students limited to their specific transportation needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes $400 flat rate per homeless student for transportation costs and mandates new state funding model development, directly allocating public funds for student transportation services.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new funding model for transportation, establishes $400 flat rate for homeless students, and requires data reporting to address access for vulnerable student groups in K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes $400 flat rate for homeless student transportation and mandates new funding model addressing district transportation needs, directly funding student transportation services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation Special Education Transportation Funding

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signed · Washington · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 5189: Supporting the implementation of competency-based education.

Senate Bill 5189 supports the implementation of competency-based education in Washington state public schools, affecting students, school districts, and state education agencies. It requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt rules by September 1, 2025, to authorize full-time enrollment funding for approved competency-based programs. The bill directs the State Board of Education to develop a process for identifying schools implementing competency-based education and for creating competencies aligned with state learning standards. Additionally, it mandates the development of a competency-based high school transcript format and ensures equitable access to interscholastic activities for students in these programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state funding for competency-based education programs through enrollment funding rules, directing budget allocation to support public education initiatives.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires state funding rules for competency-based education programs, advancing alternative teaching models in K-12 schools through mandated implementation and funding mechanisms.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5670: Creating the fuel tax assistance grant program.

SB 5670 creates a state grant program to help rural school districts with large geographic areas (450 square miles or more) offset rising transportation costs from increased fuel prices. The program, administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, provides direct financial assistance for fuel-related expenses in school transportation. It specifically targets districts facing higher costs due to their extensive service areas. The grant is funded through appropriations and focuses solely on mitigating fuel cost impacts for eligible rural schools.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state grant program funded through appropriations, increasing state spending for rural school transportation costs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides direct financial assistance to rural school districts for transportation fuel costs, ensuring educational access and operational stability for large geographic areas.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProvides direct funding for school transportation fuel costs, advancing affordability and operational stability for rural districts' transportation needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation Transportation Funding

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1051: Permitting the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1051 allows parents or guardians to audio-record their child's individualized education program (IEP) team meetings without needing consent from other meeting attendees. This directly affects families with students in special education programs, granting them a specific right to record these meetings under state law. The bill amends Washington’s general recording law (RCW 9.73.030) to explicitly exempt parent-recorded IEP meetings from the requirement of obtaining all-party consent. Other recording scenarios, such as school staff or third parties recording meetings, would still require all-party consent as per existing law. The bill is currently pending in the House Education Committee.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables parents to record IEP meetings without consent, enhancing family access to special education processes and transparency, directly supporting educational access for students with disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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