Transcript Highlights:

• Student Achievement Council, or WASAC.
• Most state programs are administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council.
• Most state programs are administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council.
• The CTCs received 40% of that amount, followed by the Washington Student Achievement Council, which is
• So I worked with the Washington Student Achievement Council on the language of this bill.

Bills: HB2148, HB2132

Keywords: education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid, state financial aid, financial aid application, postsecondary education, higher education, student aid, Washington Student Achievement Council, public records exemption, privacy, student records, personally identifying information, financial information, data sharing agreement, enrollment assistance, institutional records, FERPA

Summary: The committee first held a work session on higher education funding and enrollment, with OPR staff Kate Henry reviewing Washington’s public higher education system, enrollment trends, tuition policy, financial aid programs, and funding sources. Members asked questions about FTE versus headcount, tuition changes, financial aid eligibility, and how the Workforce Education Investment Account and Opportunity Pathways funds are used to support Washington College Grant and College Bound awards. Henry explained recent policy changes, including Senate Bill 5785’s effects on award formulas, and noted that tuition, state appropriations, and financial aid are closely linked. Committee members also requested additional data on student-to-staff ratios and cost-of-attendance figures by institution. The committee then heard House Bill 2148, which would create a “Pay It Forward” program for graduate students. The bill would provide tuition support for up to four years, with recipients later making income-based contributions for up to 15 years to fund future students. The prime sponsor argued the bill was needed because federal changes would reduce access to graduate and professional loans, especially in fields like nursing, teaching, public health, and physical therapy. Testimony from students and advocates was strongly supportive, emphasizing workforce shortages, reduced federal aid, and the need for a revolving public funding model. Members asked about interest, caps, repayment terms, and how the program would be capitalized. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2132, which would limit disclosure and retention of personally identifying and financial information from WASFA applications. The bill would exempt such information from public disclosure, restrict retention to one year after the award year absent an audit or appeal, and limit sharing with outside entities except as required by law or court order. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce unnecessary long-term storage of sensitive student data and improve privacy and data security. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, especially from student and immigrant-advocacy groups, who said the bill would protect undocumented and mixed-status students and increase trust in the financial aid process. Some members raised concerns about whether shorter retention could affect future immigration or residency documentation, and the sponsor responded that students can keep their own records and that other proof of enrollment or graduation would remain available. The committee took no votes and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achieving Council
• also discussed by the Student Achievement Council and entities in the higher education and workforce
• For brief background, the Student Achievement Council administers financial aid programs for the state
• We, the students of Washington State University, stand firmly behind the First Amendment right of students
• Achievement Council, to qualify for the College Grant.

Bills: SB6251, SB6259, SB6325, SB5978, SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: medical school, medical education, letter grades, grading system, pass/fail, tiered grading, student assessment, curriculum, University of Washington, Washington State University, School of Medicine, physician training, academic standards, coursework evaluation, RCW 28B, SB 6259, Washington, state financial aid, higher education, public college

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEA) Oversight Board, hearing from Jane Broome of Microsoft Philanthropies and Joel Anderson of WASAC. They reviewed the history and purpose of the WEA account, emphasizing that it was created as a dedicated, non-supplanting source to expand higher education and workforce investments, especially high-demand fields and financial aid. Broome and Anderson said the board has improved with WASAC staffing and better data, but they raised strong concerns that recent budget actions, especially shifting $400 million in University of Washington general-fund support to WEA, violated the original partnership and undermined trust. Senators asked about AI-related workforce needs, data transparency, and how to define “supplanting,” and the presenters said the board wants to stop supplanting and preserve WEA for its intended purposes. The committee then held public hearings on three bills. SB 6251 would require public medical schools to use letter grades or a tiered grading system; the sponsor said it was intended to standardize grading, but both WSU and UW opposed it, arguing that pass-fail and competency-based systems better support collaboration, mental health, and residency placement, and that only a small share of U.S. medical schools use letter grades. SB 6259 would make students who are found by a court to have caused major damage to a public higher education institution ineligible for state aid and require repayment of aid; the sponsor framed it as accountability for serious vandalism, while the lone testifier from WSU student government opposed it as unfair to lower-income students and potentially chilling to free expression. The final hearing was on SB 6235, which would reverse the “fund split” approach and require the state to fully fund compensation and central services for higher education rather than relying on tuition to cover those costs, while also directing a study on essential student services. Nearly all testimony was in support, from university and community college leaders, faculty, and labor representatives, who said the current system has led to hidden cuts, reduced COLAs, layoffs, program closures, larger class sizes, and reduced student services. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and adopted proposed substitutes and passed SB 5978, SB 6209, SB 6217, and SB 6227 to the Ways and Means Committee; SB 6235 was not acted on. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Families across Washington know...
• Coalition, a partner of the Arc of Washington State.
• Achievement Council instead of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board when reviewing
• Student Achievement Council, or WASAC. ...here today to testify as pro for House Bill 2311.
• The amendment expands the Student Achievement Council's ability to share WASFA applicant personal and

Bills: HB2337, HB2311, HB2088, HB2148, HB2132

Keywords: training requirements, caregiving, family member, individual providers, home care, workforce education, investment accountability, administrative changes, oversight, education policy, nutritional health, dietetic professionals, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare regulation, education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2337 and House Bill 2311, then took executive action on Substitute House Bill 2132. HB 2337 would repeal the planned January 1, 2027 requirement that certain family caregivers who are paid to care for a relative complete continuing education. The bill sponsor and several family caregivers argued that mandatory annual continuing education is unnecessary, repetitive, and burdensome for relatives caring for one loved one, especially when training is often not tailored to the individual’s needs. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay current as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they said the state had already expanded course offerings in response to prior legislation. No action was taken on HB 2337 during the hearing. HB 2311 would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including lengthening co-chair terms, allowing more than four meetings per year, changing one consultation requirement, and eliminating the statutory public dashboard requirement. Supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the bill would improve board operations and that the dashboard has not been funded or created. A committee member raised concerns about the board’s capacity and whether the bill would affect how projects are evaluated; witnesses said it would mainly improve the board’s ability to review more proposals and provide better recommendations. No vote was taken on HB 2311 in the transcript. The committee then considered HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. Members adopted amendment Ross 106, which broadens the Student Achievement Council’s ability to share WASFA applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. After debate over the one-year retention period and privacy concerns, the committee voted 9-8 to report Substitute House Bill 2132 out of committee with a do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see our students over here.
• I see our students over here.

Bills: S0182, S1318, S1690

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill was brought to me by the Student Achievement Council, asking for just simply administrative
• Achievement Council, or WASAC, here today testifying in support of Senate Bill 5931.
• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council
• My name is Santa Gerard, and I'm representing the Washington Student Association in support of Senate
• Senator Nobles: Students who are income eligible can automatically qualify for the Washington College

Bills: SB5963

Keywords: SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development, apprenticeship, foster youth, homeless students, unaccompanied youth, low-income students, public assistance, state financial aid account, scholarships, Washington student grants, grant eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• The WIA Board is staffed by the Washington Student Achievement Council and must meet four times a year
• This bill was brought to us by request of the Student Achievement Council.
• It is by request of the Student Achievement Council.
• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council
• Student Achievement Council, and we support the Passport Program.

Bills: SB6090, SB5931, SB5963, SB5978, SB6082

Keywords: heritage orchard, agriculture, program, state funding, local agriculture, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first opened a hearing on SB 6090, which would direct Washington State University to establish a Heritage Orchard Program to register, preserve, and propagate heritage orchards and rare or lost apple varieties. Sponsor Sen. Braun said the bill would honor Washington’s apple-growing history and support research at WSU at low cost, though staff noted a fiscal note was not available. The hearing was then closed. The committee then held a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that student complaint systems are sometimes misused against faculty, especially faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, causing stress, attrition, costs, and harm to academic freedom. They urged safeguards such as an initial review for bad-faith or biased complaints, routine data collection, and a faculty bill of rights. Members asked about data tracking and FERPA/Title IX issues, and witnesses said complaint data is inconsistently collected across institutions. The committee next heard SB 5931, a technical cleanup bill for the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms to two years, move the annual report date to December 31, and remove an unfunded dashboard requirement. WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support, saying the changes would improve board effectiveness and preserve institutional knowledge. The committee then heard SB 5963, which would automatically treat Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in 2026–27 and make related funding changes. Supporters said it would streamline aid for former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth, many of whom already receive the maximum grant, while members asked about outreach and how the Passport funds are used. The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require student notifications about guaranteed admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters, including students, colleges, and advocacy groups, said the bill would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students see college as an option; several members discussed keeping the proposal cost-neutral. Finally, the committee heard SB 6082, which would require JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled schemes. The sponsor said the bill responds to emerging fraud risks, while community and technical college witnesses said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit would be an unfunded and delayed response, and asked for more resources to address the problem. The committee adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 6082.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2410 establishes the Washington State Commercial, House Bill 2410 establishes the Washington
• council.
• State Labor Council.
• made by the council for programs and projects that carry out the purpose of the council, as well as
• It's about time we get Washington moving again.

Bills: HB2092, HB2114, HB2172, HB2251, HB2374, HB2410, HB2552, HB2588, HB2718, HB2722, HB2727

Keywords: passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation

Bills: HB558, HB558

Keywords: education funding, public schools, student achievement, RAISE Act, K-12 education, state budget, accountability, rural impact, legislation, report, government analysis, community assessment, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the 34 community and technical colleges serve about 307,000 students across Washington and described
• She said 55% of students are students of color, 48% receive need-based financial aid in eligible programs
• Collectively, our 34 community and technical colleges serve about 307,000 students across Washington.
• Student Achievement Council and the WEA Board interact, their mission, and how we might be able to do
• Student Achievement Council and the WEA Board interact, their mission, and how we might be able to do

Bills: SB6258, SB5963

Keywords: Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database, National Practitioner Data Bank, license renewal, license reinstatement, medical board, professional discipline, credential surrender, healthcare regulation, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike K-12 education, Washington does not fund higher education using a per-student formula.
• Students across Washington are poorly served by inadequate funding for higher education.
• They are receiving the smallest state subsidy of any public higher education student in Washington.
• of the cost of their education than any other public higher education students in Washington.
• Achievement Council, or WSAC, is eligible to participate in state financial aid programs.

Bills: HB2070, HB2671, HB2617, SB6258

Keywords: funding, education, higher education, Western Washington University, state funding parity, financial aid, state funding, student support, educational reform, university procedures, academic policy, student success, Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database

Transcript Highlights:

• Student Achievement Council.
• Financial Assistance, from the Washington Student Achievement Council.
• Financial Assistance from the Washington Student Achievement Council.
• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council
• Passport Network to better support not just the students in this program, ...not just the students in

Bills: SB5826, SB5828, SB5909, SB5931, SB5954, SB5963, SB6082, SB6090

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, veterans

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first received a work session presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Passport to Careers Program. Staff explained that Passport serves youth who experienced foster care at age 13 or later or unaccompanied homelessness, with about 2,000 students expected to be served in 2025-26. The program provides scholarships of up to $2,000, plus flexible campus support funding and training through a partnership with the College Success Foundation. Testimony emphasized that students often face basic-needs insecurity, work long hours, and still have significant unmet financial need even after Pell, Washington College Grant, and Passport aid. Officials said the program has grown 131% since 2019, but appropriations have not kept pace, forcing reductions in award levels from $5,000 in 2023-24 to $2,000 in 2025-26. They also noted strong outcomes, including a reported 31% eight-year graduation/credential rate and 84% of surveyed students saying Passport made them more likely to enroll or stay enrolled. Senators asked about comparisons to overall student graduation rates, the share of participants who are parents, where students attend, and how campus support staff are funded and deployed. The committee then moved into executive session on several bills. Staff summarized measures on medication abortion access at public postsecondary institutions, changes to Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for private nonprofit four-year institutions, low-enrollment program review at state universities, technical changes to the Workforce Board, veteran dependent tuition waivers, Passport to Careers funding and eligibility, a JLARC audit of state financial aid fraud, and creation of the Heritage Orchard Program at WSU. During action, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5931 and voted do pass on SB 5826, SB 5828, SB 5909, SB 5931 as amended, SB 5954, SB 5963, SB 6082, and SB 6090, sending each to the Ways and Means Committee. One senator stated opposition to SB 5826, citing cost and administrative burden concerns, but the bill still passed the committee. The session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges must consult with the Student Achievement Council
• So for some background, the Washington Student Achievement Council is required to establish and maintain
• a student achievement council tuition recovery trust fund.
• The Student Achievement Council tuition recovery trust fund provides relief to students impacted by voluntary
• I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council

Bills: HB2427, HB2458, HB2474, HB2540, HB2589

Keywords: ink of hope act, mental health, substance use, rehabilitation, community support, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, student access, financial aid, consumer protections, school closures, educational programs, student rights, emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, encampments

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several post-secondary and workforce-related bills. House Bill 2427 would require tattoo artists to complete annual human trafficking awareness training through the Department of Licensing. The prime sponsor and a trafficking survivor testified that tattoo artists may be in a position to notice branding or other signs of trafficking and connect victims to help. One opponent argued the bill would impose compelled speech and burdensome annual training requirements. The hearing closed without a vote. House Bill 2458 would expand Washington College Grant eligibility to approved non-degree credential programs. Supporters from community and technical colleges, workforce partners, and United Way said the bill would help students in short-term, job-aligned programs such as construction, CDL, IT, and other credentials that lead to family-wage jobs and better access to financial aid. House Bill 2474 would expand student consumer protections when a school or program closes, including required teach-outs or transfer options, refunds, and voiding certain student debt. The Student Achievement Council and student advocates supported the bill as a needed update, while independent private colleges raised concerns about financial penalties, program flexibility, and differences from existing accreditation standards. House Bill 2589 would regulate encampments on public higher education campuses by limiting them to registered student organizations or recognized bargaining units, requiring notice and institutional approval, and allowing removal of unauthorized encampments. The sponsor said it was a content-neutral campus safety measure that would not ban protest, while supporters cited recent campus encampments and safety concerns; opponents argued it could burden speech and should not apply to private nonprofit colleges. House Bill 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals from three to six years for EMTs certified in Washington for at least 10 years, while keeping ongoing training requirements unchanged. Firefighter and EMS supporters said it would reduce administrative burden and costs. No bills were voted on during the meeting, and the chair reminded members of amendment request deadlines for the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's one amendment, Ross 110, by Representative Entenman, requiring the Student Achievement Council
• House Bill 2474, as a reminder, requires funds collected for the Student Achievement Council Tuition
• It also requires the Washington Student Achievement Council to establish rules to determine the time
• It also requires the Washington Student Achievement Council to establish rules to determine the time
• And this has been worked on with the independent colleges and the Student Achievement Council. ...and

Bills: HB2438, HB2422, HB2525, HB2586, HB2427, HB2458, HB2474, HB2540, HB2589

Keywords: education, scholarship, early childhood, funding, higher education, early education, support, degree seekers, private security, security guard, armed security guard, security company, licensing fees, license renewal, endorsement fee, fingerprints, background check, workforce retention, low-wage workers, public safety

Summary: The committee met on February 3 and considered several bills for possible executive session, with no public hearings. Members were told that House Bill 2538 would be heard later in the session, and no action was taken on House Bills 2422, 2427, or 2589 while amendments were still being worked on. The committee then reviewed House Bill 2438, which creates the Supporting Our Early Education Degree Seekers Scholarship for early childhood education students. A proposed substitute made the scholarship a yearly $10 million allocation from the GET account, capped administrative costs at $500,000, adjusted eligibility for students who already hold an associate degree, created a scholarship account, added a statute of limitations, and required notice to GET account holders. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 13-4, with supporters emphasizing early childhood educator shortages and opponents raising concerns about moving funds from GET accounts. The committee also advanced House Bill 2525, establishing a heritage orchard program at Washington State University. A proposed substitute removed requirements related to preserving orchards and propagating rare apple breeds, and an amendment added a null and void clause; the bill passed 17-0. House Bill 2586, which automatically qualifies Passport to Careers students for the Washington College Grant and aligns financial-need calculations with federal formulas, also passed unanimously. House Bill 2458, expanding Washington College Grant eligibility to certain non-degree credential programs, was amended to require the Student Achievement Council and the College Board to propose a maximum award amount; it passed 11-6 after debate over fiscal impacts and support for trades and certificate programs. House Bill 2474, concerning student consumer protections when institutions or programs close, was amended to narrow exemptions for certain private institutions, including Independent Colleges of Washington and Northwest Indian College, and to clarify teach-out and reimbursement rules. Supporters said it would better protect students when schools change materially or close, while opponents argued the guardrails were too restrictive for institutions; it passed 9-8. Finally, House Bill 2540, extending recertification intervals for emergency medical technicians from every three years to every six years after 10 years of Washington certification, passed 17-0, with supporters saying it would reduce redundant training while maintaining standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, in 2025, the Washington Student Achievement Council, or WASAC, released a research brief
• So what this bill does, as you heard, is direct the Washington Student Achievement Council to work with
• Student Achievement Council.
• Achievement Council, is eligible for the Washington College Grant.
• I'm Associate Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the Washington Student Achievement Council, here

Bills: SB6209, SB6217, SB6227, SB6235

Keywords: financial aid, higher education, private institutions, student awards, affordability, Washington college grant, postsecondary education, nondegree programs, educational access, data collection, parenting students, education, support services, academic performance, college athletics, private equity, sovereign wealth funds, student athletes, financial agreements, 904

Summary: The committee began with a work session on dual credit, hearing an overview from the Council of Presidents and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, followed by ERDC. Presenters described Washington’s six dual credit programs, noted that about 90% of the class of 2024 took some dual credit, and said dual credit students have higher postsecondary enrollment and credential attainment rates. They also highlighted growth in Running Start, College in the High School, and CTE dual credit, while flagging challenges around funding, advising, access, and consistent statewide policy. ERDC described its annual report, dashboard, research briefs, and future work on school characteristics, special topics, and a planned causal-effects study of dual credit outcomes. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6227, by Sen. Wilson, would direct WASAC to work with public institutions to formalize data collection on parenting students and convene a work group to recommend implementation; the sponsor and multiple student advocates testified that better data is needed to identify and support student parents. SB 6235, by Sen. Hohley, would prohibit public colleges from entering certain private equity or sovereign wealth fund agreements involving intercollegiate athletics; the sponsor argued it would protect institutional control, while UW and WSU testified in opposition, warning it could limit future financing options and create competitive disadvantages. SB 6217, by Sen. Boehnke, would extend the Washington College Grant to eligible non-degree credential programs; supporters from the community and technical college system, workforce groups, and employers said it would help students access short-term training tied to family-wage jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on SB 6209, which would make students at private for-profit four-year institutions eligible for the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship only if their programs meet a gainful-employment standard. Supporters from DigiPen and other private career schools said the bill would preserve access for low-income and underrepresented students in specialized programs, while some testifiers urged that certificate and two-year programs also be included. The hearing also included testimony from students and advocates supporting the bill’s focus on accountability and economic mobility.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why Washington has a goal that 70% of Washington students will earn credentials beyond high school
• As you have heard me share, most students attending Independent Colleges of Washington member campuses
• I'm representing the Washington Student Association's support of this bill.
• This bill would allow Washington state students the same opportunity.
• It empowers every student, from high achievers to those needing additional support, to thrive.

Bills: SB6078, SB6089, SB5859, SB5861, SB6065, SB5956, SB5901

Keywords: SB 6078, child care, childcare, daycare, licensed child care provider, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, prelicensing, licensing support, resource guide, child care center, family home child care, family home provider, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care, early learning, provider application, local permit notice, city permit, county permit

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several education-related bills. SB 6078 would expand pre-licensing supports for prospective child care providers by directing DCYF and the State Patrol to offer consultations and resource guidance, with testimony from the sponsor, DCYF, and a community nonprofit emphasizing that the bill would reduce fragmented licensing barriers and help open more child care sites. SB 6089 would create a public-private structure to coordinate Washington’s P-20W education and workforce system and develop a public-facing data dashboard; supporters from education, nonprofit, and student groups said it would improve alignment, transparency, and equity, while WEA and OSPI raised concerns about private influence, duplication, and the use of a non-state entity for the dashboard. SB 5859 would expand competency-based assessment options within graduation pathways, with supporters saying it would give students more flexible ways to demonstrate learning, and the State Board of Education and school principals cautioning that the board’s ongoing Future Ready review should finish before new pathway changes are made. SB 5861 would require more school board directors to be elected from director districts in larger districts; supporters argued it would improve community representation, while some districts and WSSDA warned about costs, loss of local control, and implementation burdens. SB 6065 would allow districts in binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds for temporary loans or permanent transfers with OSPI approval, and rural district advocates said it could help distressed districts stabilize without new state spending. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on two bills. It adopted the proposed substitute for SB 5956, which limits the use of automated decision systems, surveillance technology, biometric data, and facial recognition in student discipline and school safety decisions, and sent the bill to Rules with a do-pass recommendation. It also adopted the proposed substitute for SB 5901, which changes how state funding is calculated for school construction projects on military bases, and sent that bill to Ways and Means with a do-pass recommendation. Both measures passed subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the bill, the Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council is established in
• The council must meet quarterly.
• Council members are required to be appointed by the governor, and they are the chief of the Washington
• I'm an airport manager from Deer Park, Washington, in eastern Washington.
• annually for Washington State.

Bills: HB2347, HB2410

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on House Bill 2410, which would create a commercial truck safety and education council, increase the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee from $16 to $32, and dedicate the new revenue to truck safety and training programs. Committee staff outlined the bill’s licensing and training requirements, council structure, funding, confidentiality provisions, and fiscal impacts. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to improve truck driver education and safety, and testimony from the Washington Trucking Associations, trucking companies, insurers, and business groups was strongly supportive. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission testified “other” and said it supported the safety goal but still had concerns about clarifying the commission’s role and responsibilities. A committee member asked about bridge strikes and truck crashes involving in-state versus out-of-state drivers, but no data was immediately available. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2347, which would repeal last year’s luxury aircraft tax on non-commercial aircraft valued above $500,000. Staff explained that the tax is scheduled to take effect April 1 and would send revenue to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel account; the repeal would take effect immediately. The bill’s sponsor argued the tax unfairly burdens business, medical, agricultural, wildfire, and other aircraft uses, and said aircraft and related jobs were already leaving the state. Many witnesses from business aviation, airports, manufacturers, and industry associations testified in support of repeal, describing aircraft relocations, vacant hangars, lost fuel and lease revenue, and reduced investment. They also argued the tax is difficult to administer because many aircraft are used for mixed business and personal purposes. The Port of Seattle testified “other,” agreeing the tax has outsized impacts but urging a narrower fix rather than full repeal so the state can still fund sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure. Committee members asked about out-of-state aircraft, lost revenue, and whether Canada’s repeal of a similar tax offered a lesson; no action was taken on the bill. After the hearings, the committee received a work session on tolling technology from the Transportation Commission and consultants. They summarized a pilot using a smartphone app for toll collection, including tests on SR 520 and a hypothetical SR-18 segment toll. The presentation said the app worked well when paired by Bluetooth, had high customer satisfaction, and could complement existing toll tags and video tolling, though privacy and setup issues were noted. The commission recommended keeping current tolling systems, conducting a fully operational pilot within about three years, and planning for future technology integration through a marketplace approach. The meeting ended when the chair adjourned the committee for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• certain guidelines, administer certain physical fitness tests, and direct school districts to use student
• performance results. ...directing school districts to use student performance results for better health
• outcomes for our students.
• Should we start talking to students about health, fitness, and diet? Yes, absolutely.
• And if you're going to change that mindset of students in their health planning, you've got to do it

Bills: SB1432, SB1338, SB1437, SB1812

Keywords: teacher certification, pilot program, education, state board, alternative pathways, education grants, competitive grants, revolving fund, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Strong Readers Act, literacy instruction, reading intervention, dyslexia, science of reading, structured literacy, multisensory instruction, school districts, public education funding, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, she's an honors student at Western Washington University completing her master's in computational
• students.
• She said the district's school is Insight School of Washington and serves approximately 3,200 students
• bill treats online students differently than other public school students.
• all of the virtual public school students across Washington State, and that she is here to testify in

Bills: SB6222, SB6263, SB6118, SB6261, SB6320

Keywords: public education, technology access, surplus hardware, digital divide, student resources, school district, public bidding, bid limits, procurement, public works, construction contracts, competitive bidding, lowest responsible bidder, small works roster, quotations, school purchasing, Washington-grown food, local food, inmate work programs, Department of Corrections

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6320, then heard several education-related bills. Senate Bill 6222 would let school districts and educational service districts sell surplus technology hardware such as laptops and tablets to public school students at depreciated cost, or give them free to low-income students, with priority for low-income public school students. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would help students keep access to devices for school, work, and college; one member asked whether tribal compact schools were included. Testimony was generally supportive. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6263, which raises school district public bid thresholds for purchases and repairs. The sponsor said the limits had not been updated in about 20 years and should be aligned with cities and ports to reduce costs and delays. School employees, finance officers, and coalition representatives supported the bill, saying current thresholds create unnecessary administrative burden and can slow maintenance and purchasing; the fiscal note showed no fiscal impact. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6261, which would require parents of six- and seven-year-olds not enrolled in school to file annual signed declarations of their education plans. The superintendent of public instruction supported the bill as a way to align Washington with other states and improve enrollment data, while homeschool parents, students, and advocacy groups strongly opposed it as burdensome, intrusive, and unnecessary. Senate Bill 6118 would require each school district to create cardiac emergency response plans for schools and athletic facilities, including AED placement, staff training, and coordination with emergency responders. The sponsor said the bill was personal because of her brother’s death from heart failure, and witnesses described sudden cardiac arrest incidents and argued that preparedness saves lives. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6320, which would restrict state-funded online and remote alternative learning experiences to public or nonprofit providers and reduce levy equalization for some remote ALE enrollment, with limited exceptions for medically fragile, severely ill, injured, or severely bullied students. Supporters said it would prevent privatization and better align funding with in-person schooling, while opponents said it would harm students who rely on online programs, especially those with special needs or other barriers to traditional school.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and schools for the deaf and blind students, are they not all Washington State public education general
• Are they not all Washington State Public Education General Education students first?
• And so I am curious to know if a student who is enrolled in a student who is enrolled in a student who
• We know that over 50,000 students in Washington State have asthma, and, as it was just mentioned, a lot
• We encourage you to pass House Bill 2360 and have Washington join other states so that students...

Bills: HB2246, HB2360

Keywords: firearm violations, education, student discipline, school policies, safety measures, albuterol, asthma, inhaler, rescue inhaler, respiratory emergency, school nurse, student medication, self-administration, anaphylaxis, public schools, private schools, charter schools, tribal compact schools, K-12 health, medication policy

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on two bills. First, House Bill 2246 would expand and clarify school discipline rules for firearm-related violations. Committee staff explained that the bill extends existing firearm expulsion and readmission provisions to charter schools, state tribal education compact schools, the School for the Blind, the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and ESDs, and would allow governing boards to deny readmission or limit return after a firearm-related incident. Representative Lowe, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a local incident and was intended to give districts more flexibility and clearer guidance. OSPI testified that it supports safe schools but had concerns about limiting reconsideration to one appeal and wanted to work on amendments. Team Child opposed the bill, arguing it could make it harder for students to return successfully and could further exclude them from extracurricular activities. Committee members asked about current law, constitutional education rights, and whether the bill would cover threats made online; staff clarified it applies to actual carrying of a firearm or displaying something that appears to be a firearm. The hearing closed with 246 pro, 7 con, and 1 other signed in. The committee then heard House Bill 2360, which would allow public and private schools to maintain stock albuterol beginning in the 2027-28 school year under a statewide standing order from the Department of Health. Staff described the bill’s provisions for school nurses and trained staff to administer albuterol to students with prescriptions, and for nurses to administer it in emergencies to students without a prescription. Representative Donaghy said the bill was modeled on school epinephrine access and was intended to address asthma emergencies, especially in rural areas and when a student’s own inhaler is unavailable. OSPI and school nurse groups supported the bill, citing asthma prevalence, absenteeism, and the potential to reduce 911 calls and emergency room visits. The Department of Health had asked to strike one section, and some school nurse testimony raised concerns about scope of practice, staffing, training, and the lack of a detailed protocol or fiscal note. Other nurse testimony strongly supported the bill, saying school nurses can assess respiratory distress, administer stock albuterol, notify parents, and recommend follow-up care. The hearing closed with 113 pro, 2 con, and 1 other signed in, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You see the students every day.
• and student and what they observe and what they offer.
• we did as college students.
• They’re dealing with just that one student.
• The only student that's sort of in that screen is the student that's being provided the service.

Bills: HCR14, HB201, HB218, HB352, HB626, HB636, HB738, HB749

Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students