Session Recap: February

Release Date:

*** Find the latest entry in March here: Session Update (March 2020).

Of the more than 4,600 bills on the docket (including those automatically reintroduced from last session), fewer than 600 remain "alive" after Wednesday's House of Origin cut-off deadline.

Bills on the move
Here are some highlights of bills that survived Wednesday’s cutoff:

  • SB 6521 – Innovative Learning Pilot (more information below)
  • SB 5908 – Equity Training in Professional Development
  • SB 6117 – Special Education
  • HB 2660 – Free School Meals
  • HB 1860 – Lead in School Drinking Water
  • HB 1182 – Learning Assistance Program
  • SB 6141 – Access to Higher Education
  • HB 2864 – Running Start Summer School Pilot

The Senate passed the innovative learning pilot (SSB 6521) off the floor (47 Yeas / 2 Excused). As a reminder, the Substitute version passed by the Senate reflects the amendatory language requiring participating districts to have a waiver from credit-based graduation requirements for the 2019-20 school year. The intent is for the pilot to serve those districts that are currently facing a funding disadvantage.

Gubernatorial appointments

  • Newly confirmed: Members Holly Koon and Jeff Estes (congratulations!)
  • On the Senate Confirmation Calendar: Members Harium Martin-Morris, Bill Kallappa
  • Member Susana Reyes testified in her confirmation hearing last week in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education committee.

Recap of recent activity

Work Session: Member Harium Martin-Morris and SBE Director of Career- and College- Readiness, Linda Drake presented about the Graduation Pathways Interim Report before the House Education Committee on Tuesday (watch on TVW).

Signed in support:

  • ESSB 5395 – Concerning comprehensive sexual health education. (Hearing on striking amendment)
  • SSB 6191 – Assessing the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in middle and high school students to inform decision making and improve services.
  • SHB 2589 – Requiring contact information for suicide prevention and crisis intervention organizations on student and staff identification cards.
  • SHB 2711 – Increasing equitable educational outcomes for foster care and homeless children and youth from prekindergarten to postsecondary education.
  • EHB 2811 – Establishing a statewide environmental sustainability education program.
  • 2SHB 2737 – Updating the children's mental health work group.
  • ESHB 2551 – Permitting students to wear traditional tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies and related events.

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