Bill > HB2049

This bill modifies Washington state's school funding mechanisms and local property tax regulations, focusing on enrichment levies and local effort assistance funding for K-12 education. The bill adjusts the maximum dollar amount that school districts can levy per $1,000 of assessed property value, introduces an "inflation enhancement" of $500 in 2026 and gradually increasing percentage points through 2030, and updates the maximum per-pupil funding limits for school districts. Specifically, the bill increases the per-pupil funding cap to $2,500 or $3,000 (depending on district size) and provides for future increases based on inflation. Additionally, the bill establishes a new K-12 funding equity work group tasked with analyzing current funding formulas, exploring options to address resource inequities, and reporting potential revisions to the legislature annually from 2025 to 2027. The work group will examine factors such as compensation, funding distribution trends, economic disparities, and potential student weighting strategies to direct additional resources to students with the greatest needs. By creating this comprehensive review process, the bill aims to improve the fairness and responsiveness of Washington's school funding system.