Bill > HB2594

This bill establishes a new chapter in Washington state law to ensure that unhoused children and youths have equal access to free, appropriate public education, including preschool, by requiring the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and school districts to remove barriers to their enrollment, attendance, and success. The bill defines "homeless children and youths" broadly to include those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and clarifies terms like "enrollment" and "school of origin." It mandates OSPI to develop a state plan to address the educational needs of these students, including training for school personnel, and requires school districts to designate liaisons to assist homeless students. Key provisions include ensuring homeless students can remain in their "school of origin" (the school they last attended when permanently housed or last enrolled) or enroll in a new school if necessary, with a presumption that staying in the school of origin is in their best interest, and requiring immediate enrollment even if documentation is missing. The bill also outlines services comparable to those offered to other students, such as transportation and access to nutrition programs, and establishes procedures for dispute resolution regarding educational placement. Furthermore, it prohibits segregating homeless students and ensures that actions taken to comply with this chapter also meet federal requirements under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2594&Year=2025&Initiative=false