Bill > HB1189

This bill addresses parental involvement in schools after a criminal conviction by establishing a new process for parents with criminal histories to volunteer. Under the new law, when a school performs a records check on a parent volunteer, it must notify applicants about submitting documents that demonstrate criminal innocence or rehabilitation. If a parent has submitted such documents (like an expungement, pardon, or certificate of restoration) and signs a statement indicating no subsequent criminal convictions, the school cannot deny their volunteer application based on prior convictions. For parents with criminal records who haven't submitted rehabilitation documents, schools must consider factors such as the time since the last conviction, whether the crime involved a minor victim, and the parent's age at the time of the offense. Schools may also limit the parent's access to children while still allowing meaningful school involvement. If a volunteer application is denied, the school must provide specific reasons and inform the parent of an appeal process to the superintendent of public instruction. The bill broadly defines "parent" to include grandparents, guardians, and legal custodians, and applies to various types of educational institutions, including school districts, charter schools, and tribal schools. The goal is to provide a fair and nuanced approach to allowing parental involvement in schools while maintaining child safety.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1189&Year=2025&Initiative=false