For those interested, the legislature is considering HB 2044, which would eliminate the requirement for school districts to file a truancy petition with the local juvenile court. Read the bill here.
Bills WFIS remains focused on:
SB 5506 extends the timeline for licensing boarding schools. Waiting for it to be pulled to the Floor.
HB 1543 offers alternative pathways to comply with energy standards. WFIS successfully added language to the bill extending energy standards compliance if schools face competing demands from the Department of Health. This bill currently affects Tier I buildings but establishes a template for Tier II down the road. Waiting for it to be pulled to the Floor.
Engrossed SSHB 1648 supports early learning teachers by allowing a reasonable timeline for acquiring education. There are more negotiations about the timeline for teacher education and how long-term teachers receive credit for their service.
Engrossed SSB 5509 requires cities, towns, and city codes to permit childcare centers in all zones except industrial zones, light industrial zones, and open spaces. The bill has been voted on, passed, and moved to the Appropriations Committee.
SSB 5655 has passed and moved to the Floor. The bill requires that when a child care center is operated in a dedicated space within an existing building with more than one use, the occupancy load must be based only on the areas where the child care services are provided.
