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, as provided to other children. It mandates that the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and school districts must identify and remove barriers, such as residency requirements or outstanding fees, that hinder the enrollment, attendance, or success of homeless students. The bill defines "homeless children and youths" broadly to include those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and establishes a state plan for their education, which includes identifying their needs, resolving placement disputes, and providing training for school personnel. It also outlines specific duties for school districts, including designating a liaison for homeless students, ensuring transportation to their "school of origin" (the school they last attended when permanently housed or last enrolled), and immediately enrolling students even if they lack required documents. Furthermore, the bill requires that homeless students receive comparable services to other students and that they are not segregated in separate schools or programs based on their homeless status. The OSPI will collect data on homeless students, develop the state plan, and provide technical assistance and grants to school districts to support these efforts, with provisions for charter schools and state-tribal compact schools to also comply.