Bill > SB5272

This bill aims to improve school safety by expanding protections for school employees, students, and athletic officials, and increasing penalties for individuals who interfere with or intimidate school personnel and officials. The legislation recognizes that violence and inappropriate behavior in schools and during extracurricular activities can undermine learning and community spirit. The bill modifies existing laws to broaden the definition of protected individuals to include not just school staff and students, but also officials and volunteers at athletic events. It increases the maximum fine for interference or intimidation from $500 to $1,000 and the potential jail time from six months to 364 days. Additionally, the bill requires schools to post signage at entrances to gymnasiums, auditoriums, and athletic fields that notify the public about these offenses and potential penalties. For public school students who interfere during school or extracurricular activities, the consequences now include possible emergency removal and exclusion from activities for up to 12 months. For non-students convicted of such offenses, the bill mandates exclusion from the school or athletic events where the crime occurred for 12 to 18 months. The legislature's intent is to provide targeted sanctions that address violent or disruptive behavior before it escalates and to protect the valuable social and community-building aspects of school activities.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5272&Year=2025&Initiative=false