Substitute HB 1377 permits all approved clock-hour providers to offer CCDEI training using the PESB standards. This bill passed the Education Committee, but only after adding a provision requiring an educator program review system currently being developed by the PESB.
HB 1477 expands eligibility for working connections and permits individuals to apply for any Working Families Tax Credit payments they didn’t claim for the last three years.
SB 1479 limits isolation and restraint and requires schools to report if either is used. WFIS was consulted and supported the latest version of the bill. It was approved with amendments. This bill is on the Floor.
HB 1525 expands eligibility for working connections child care benefits for persons participating in state-registered apprenticeships.
HB 1550 would replace the TK concept promoted by the Governor’s Office, OSPI’s Chris Reykdal, and DCYF’s Ross Hunter with a new “legislatively authorized transition to kindergarten program, geared to assist eligible children” – and cuts the TK program out of Basic ED. Two of the most prominent legislators, Rep Sharon Tomiko Santos and Rep Tana Senn, support this complicated bill which should be on the Floor soon.
SB 5048 allows public school students to take college-in-the-classroom courses without the cost of college credits. The bill is headed to the Senate Floor without private school inclusion.
SB 5059 requires that all victims in court cases settled in court receive prejudgement interest dating back to the time of the incident. If passed, a school could be saddled with a prejudgement bill that is out of scope for the determined damage. WFIS, public school districts, and county medical, legal, and insurance associations testified against this bill. This bill appears to have died this session.
SB 5225 expands Working Connections eligibility to include childcare teachers and staff. This bill is moving to the Floor.
SSSB 5315 puts into law the current protocols for the relationship between NonPublic Agencies, Districts, and OSPI. Ways and Means voted the second substitute bill out unanimously, so this bill heads to the Senate Floor and then to the House.
SB 5316 improves some of the issues associated with the DCYF background check system by eliminating costs. This bill is headed to the Senate Floor.
SSB 5515, as applied to private boarding schools, now states, “Residential private schools are exempt from DCYF’s licensing requirements if SBE determines that the school is accredited through a body approved by SBE, and that accreditation covers student living accommodations comparable to DCYF’s licensing requirements, in consultation with DCYF.” WFIS has asked to be added to the “in consultation” stipulation. This bill is headed to the Senate Floor.
