Legislature debates new taxes and changes to the Parental Rights Law
Two major topics drew intense debate in Olympia this week: new taxes and proposed changes to the Parental Rights Law enacted last year. While tax legislation would affect all Washingtonians, the parents’ rights bill pertains only to public, charter, and state-tribal compact schools.
At the center of the education debate is Initiative 2081—the Parents’ Bill of Rights—passed in 2024. Democrats introduced House Bill 1296 and Senate Bill 5181 to modify the initiative by adjusting timelines for parental notification and revising which services require parental consent. One adopted amendment requires schools to publish a list of medical and mental health services accessible to students without parental approval.
Republicans pushed to remove the emergency clause from both bills to allow for a public referendum. Key points of contention include whether schools must notify parents of medical treatment provided on campus and whether access to certain services should be publicly listed. Both bills have passed their chambers and now await reconciliation. Meanwhile, preemptive initiatives have been filed to repeal either version.
Boarding school licensing bill passes unanimously
On Tuesday, the House unanimously passed SB 5506, granting Washington’s boarding schools an additional year to complete the newly required licensing process. This extension is crucial for all parties as schools adapt to evolving regulations and DCYF and SBE outline their systems.
Though modest in scope, the bill advanced thanks to strong leadership from Senator Leonard Christian, its prime sponsor, and Representative Chris Corry, who championed its momentum in the House. While the Capitol buzzed with advocacy and floor debates, this quietly impactful measure earned bipartisan support. WFIS extends our gratitude to the legislators who recognized the importance of this bill for Washington’s boarding schools and acted decisively to support them.
Other bills relevant to private school
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.
This bill passed, and the two versions will need to be reconciled.
Engrossed SSHB 1648 supports early learning teachers by changing the timeline from 2026 to 2030 for acquiring mandated education. This bill passed, and the two versions will need to be reconciled.
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. This bill passed.
SSB 5655 has passed and was sent to the Governor for his signature. 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.
