Bill > SB5992

This bill establishes a new "youth development fund account" to increase access to positive youth development programs, which are recognized as providing crucial support services that complement the public school system, offering safe spaces for youth, improving school attendance, preventing involvement with the juvenile justice system, and aiding in career readiness. The fund will be managed by the superintendent of public instruction, who can award grants to nonprofit entities, federally recognized Indian tribes, and city or county parks and recreation departments for programs that include learning acceleration, social-emotional learning, mentorship, postsecondary access, STEM and arts activities, and civic engagement, with a priority given to underserved geographic areas and at-risk youth populations. Importantly, the bill mandates consultation with tribes regarding grant design and reporting to respect tribal data sovereignty, and it also amends existing law to ensure that investment earnings from the state treasurer's trust fund are distributed to this new youth development fund account, with one section of the bill set to expire on July 1, 2030, and another taking effect on that date.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5992&Year=2025&Initiative=false