Bill > SB5875

This bill modifies the Washington Law Against Discrimination by specifically addressing school district liability in discrimination cases. The bill clarifies that a school district will not be automatically liable for discriminatory actions by its agents or employees. Instead, the school district can only be held responsible if it commits a negligent act or omission that directly causes a discriminatory violation. The bill maintains existing protections against discrimination based on various characteristics like race, sexual orientation, disability status, and others, while providing a more nuanced standard for holding school districts legally accountable. This change aims to balance protecting individuals from discrimination with providing a fair legal standard for school districts, ensuring that they are only liable when they have failed to take reasonable steps to prevent discriminatory actions. The bill preserves existing provisions about reasonable accommodations, service animals, and other protections against discriminatory practices in public spaces.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5875&Year=2025&Initiative=false