Bill > HB1450

This bill aims to provide every student and educator in Washington with an appropriate learning device and the necessary digital literacy support to ensure digital equity and access. The key provisions are: 1. The educational service districts will jointly establish a procurement program for learning devices, computers, and associated peripheral devices, considering factors like accessibility, security, and telecommunications capability. 2. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will create a student learning device grant program to fund the purchase of devices for school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools. 3. School districts must provide a learning device and peripheral devices to each student, and appropriate computers and peripheral devices to each paraeducator and certificated instructional staff. 4. The bill creates a digital navigator program at the educational service districts to provide training and technical support for students, families, and educators on using learning devices. 5. The bill levies a tax on retail sales of "smart wireless devices" (such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets) to fund the procurement and support programs. Overall, the bill aims to address digital equity gaps and ensure that all students and educators have access to appropriate learning devices and the support to use them effectively.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1450&Year=2021&Initiative=false