Bill > SB5570

This bill supports public school instruction about tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes by making several key changes to existing education law. The bill expands the Office of Native Education's responsibilities to include more comprehensive reporting on Indian education, with new annual reports from 2026-2029 that will include information about consultations between school districts and tribal governments. It requires school districts to incorporate curriculum about the history, culture, and government of the nearest federally recognized Indian tribes by September 1, 2026, using the "Since Time Immemorial" curriculum developed by the state superintendent's office. The bill mandates that school districts collaborate with local tribes when reviewing social studies curricula, and it requires the state board of education to implement an annual monitoring system to track how districts are implementing tribal history and sovereignty curriculum. Additionally, the bill directs the superintendent of public instruction to develop recommendations for compensating tribes for their expertise and consultation in curriculum development, with a report due by September 1, 2026. The overall goal is to improve educational understanding of tribal histories, cultures, and governments while promoting meaningful collaboration between school districts and Indian tribes.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5570&Year=2025&Initiative=false