Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1085

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
2/26/25  

Caption

AN ACT Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties;

Impact

The impact of HB 1085 on state laws is notable as it seeks to reinforce existing provisions related to school safety. By legislating against interference or intimidation, the bill complements ongoing efforts to create safer classrooms and extracurricular settings. Moreover, it requires schools to notify the public regarding these penalties, which is significant for community transparency and awareness. As a result, the bill aims not only to deter violent and intimidating actions but also to foster a more secure environment for students and educators alike.

Summary

House Bill 1085 focuses on improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation through threats of force or violence in schools and during extracurricular activities. The bill specifically aims to address the growing concerns regarding safety within educational environments, providing a clearer legal framework for penalizing such actions effectively. By enhancing the consequences associated with these disruptive behaviors, the legislation targets instances that may endanger students, staff, and the overall educational experience.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that it is a necessary step in enhancing school safety, there may be concerns from specific advocacy groups regarding the implications of heightened penalties. Critics might argue that such measures could lead to a chilling effect on students or alternatively, increased criminalization of youthful behavior that is non-violent. Striking a balance between ensuring safety and maintaining an appropriate disciplinary approach will be crucial in the discourse surrounding HB 1085.

Companion Bills

WA SB5272

Crossfiled AN ACT Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties;

Previously Filed As

WA SB5272

AN ACT Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties;

WA LB605

Require each school board to adopt a policy relating to transgender student participation in extracurricular activities sponsored by a school or an athletics or activities association

WA LB497

Provide for admission of and participation in extracurricular activities by certain students that are not residents of the school district

WA SB5346

AN ACT Relating to improving student outcomes by restricting mobile device use by public school students;

WA SB6222

Supporting public school students by improving their access to surplus technology hardware.

WA HB2432

Supporting public school students by improving their access to surplus technology hardware.

WA HB1122

Restricting mobile device usage by public school students.

WA SB5806

AN ACT Relating to improving tax administration and generating additional revenues by waiving penalties and interest by creating a voluntary disclosure program within the department of revenue;

WA HB2649

AN ACT Relating to requiring immediate law enforcement notification of criminal actions on public school property;

WA HB1853

AN ACT Relating to implementing recommendations of the recreation and conservation office's physical activities task force report by designating school district recreational properties as green community schoolyards and developing a model shared-use agreement to increase the use of existing playgrounds and playfields;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.