Bill > HB2026

This bill aims to create a more equitable education funding system in Washington state by eliminating local levies and replacing them with standardized state funding. The bill establishes that beginning in the 2026-27 school year, all public schools will receive the same base funding per student, regardless of their local tax base or geographic location. Key provisions include setting new minimum state salary allocations for certificated instructional staff ($100,033), certificated administrative staff ($179,857), and classified staff ($71,082), with these amounts to be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also introduces a new state funding mechanism that provides $1,550 per student for enrichment funding and $1,000 per student for facility construction or modernization, with the caveat that school districts cannot collect additional local levies if they receive these state funds. The legislation repeals numerous existing laws related to local school levies and effort assistance funding, and is contingent upon a constitutional amendment abolishing school district excess levies. The underlying motivation is to address funding disparities between schools in wealthy and low-income areas, ensuring that every student receives roughly equal educational resources regardless of their community's economic status.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2026&Year=2025&Initiative=false