The 2025 session kicked off last week, with lawmakers getting to work almost immediately. Here are a few of the highlights from the week and items coming up this week in Washington political news.
Reykdal: State could face lawsuit over school funding
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation to cover the cost of basic education and faces the “very serious possibility” of landing back in front of the state Supreme Court to explain why.
In the landmark case known as McCleary, justices ruled the state had complied with the court’s order to ensure ample funding for basic education. But Washington has been backsliding since then, Reykdal said, and no longer provides enough money to local school districts to keep pace with rising costs. Lack of adequate state funding was part of the reason Seattle Public Schools gave for potentially closing schools this year, a move kept at bay for at least the next school year due to parent pushback. Reykdal requested a $3 billion increase for Washington’s public schools in the next biennium. Given the state’s projected $10 billion deficit, it will be hard to get it, but Gov. Bob Ferguson has said that funding education is one of his key priorities.
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TAKE ACTION JANUARY 22
The Washington State PTA is urging parents to support fully funding the “big 3” in education: transportation. special education, and materials/supplies/operating costs or MSOC. They hope parents will sign in with a “Pro” position during Senate committee hearings on three bills. The hearings will be Wednesday, January 22:
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Transportation (SB 5187): Take action!
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MSOC (SB 5192): Take action!
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Special education (SB 5263 is preferred): Take action!
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9th Grade Success
In more Washington political news, both the House and the Senate dropped bills to create a grant program for the wildly successful 9th Grade Success, a pilot program launched by OSPI. The program connects teams of teachers with academic mentors and coaches to analyze and understand student data and intervene when necessary to ensure that 9th graders have the skills they need in 10th grade to stay on track for an on-time high school graduation. During a Senate education committee hearing, principals from around the state gushed at the difference 9th Grade Success was making for their students—in some cases, increasing the number of on-track 9th graders from 50 percent to upwards of 80 percent. The program is running in several school districts in and around King County. The bills House Bill 1151 (HB 1151) awaits a committee hearing, while Senate Bill 5210 (SB 5210) was heard this week and now awaits a committee vote.
Student cellphone restrictions
Three Washington lawmakers are ready to crack down on student cellphone use in schools. House Bill 1122 (HB 1122) would require school districts to adopt a policy restricting cellphone use during time policy by the start of the 2026-27 school year. Check out the coverage by The Seattle Times.
School Safety
The Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education looked at several bills, including (Senate Bbill 5004 (SB 5004) and Senate Bill 5003 (SB5003), both of which would provide schools with more options to ensure the protection and safety of students, staff, and other public school employees. Check out our coverage of the committee’s public hearing on the measure. The bill awaits a committee vote.
Chinese history in schools
The same committee held a public hearing on bipartisan Senate Bill 5134 (SB 5134), which would make it mandatory for public schools to teach students about Chinese American history, including difficult local history, during January (Chinese Americans/Americans of Chinese Descent History Month). Check out our article highlighting the Senate committee public hearing on this piece of legislation. The bill awaits a committee vote.
All about the state budget
Wondering how lawmakers decide what gets funded in the state budget and what does not? Check out the helpful and easy-to-understand primer “A guide to understanding the Washington state budget” created by the Washington State Standard.
Child care provider licensing fees
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would eliminate annual licensing fees paid by child care providers to the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families. The sponsors of Senate Bill 5130 (SB 5130), say that axing the fees, which range from $30 for an individual provider to $461 for a center serving 40 or more kids, would eliminate a barrier for businesses at a time when child care is in short supply. The bill was heard in the Senate early education committee last week and awaits a committee vote.
THIS WEEK in Washington political news:
Hearing on bill to support child witnesses of violence
On Tuesday, January 21, the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee will hear House Bill 1028, which would ensure that children who witness violence in Washington are connected with services to help them recover. Check out our story: “Kirkland lawmaker seeks support for young witnesses of violence.”
Hearings on gun control measures
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued an alert this weekend regarding several gun control bills scheduled for hearings on January 21. Senate and House committees will vote on the bills later this week. The Alliance urged parents to contact their lawmakers and share their opinions on the bills before Tuesday.
At 8.a.m., the Senate Law & Justice Committee will hear Senate Bill 5099 (SB 5099) which implements a state licensing system for firearms dealers. If passed, it will enhance security measures, improve record-keeping, and require dealer training, with oversight by the Washington State Patrol and funding through a dedicated account.
At 10:30 a.m., the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary will hear four bills:
- House Bill 1386 (HB 1386) proposes an 11% sales and use tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. The revenue generated from this tax will be directed toward programs aimed at preventing gun violence, including suicide prevention, domestic violence intervention, and support services for victims.
- House Bill 1163 (HB 1163) would require a permit for firearm transactions, mandate comprehensive background checks, and establish safety training standards.
- House Bill 1132 (HB 1132) seeks to limit bulk purchases for firearms and ammunition to deter illegal trafficking.
- House Bill 1152 (HB 1152) would mandate secure storage of firearms in vehicles and residences and expand the duties of the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention to include public education on proper firearm storage.
Watch hearings in Olympia
Washington political news junkie? To watch a hearing, click on the bill page, scroll to the bottom, and click on the date under Available Videos.
Read more:
Ferguson budget calls for universal school meals, more child care access