The bill seeks to improve access to free appropriate public education for students with disabilities in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. Key changes include requirements for school districts to provide parents with clear documentation regarding the evaluation and eligibility processes for special education services, including deadlines and consent requirements. Specifically, school districts must notify parents of their decision to evaluate a student within 22 calendar days of a referral request and conduct evaluations within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent, with certain exceptions. The bill also mandates that eligibility determination processes continue for students transferring from other districts who have been referred for evaluation.

Additionally, the bill enhances communication and support for parents, including templates for information dissemination and translation services for limited English proficient parents. It emphasizes parental participation in individualized education program (IEP) meetings and outlines the responsibilities of public and private entities in providing special education services. The bill establishes a funding mechanism for educational service districts to hire qualified evaluators for special education assessments and includes provisions for data collection to improve dispute resolution processes. Furthermore, it clarifies the role of the superintendent of public instruction in extending special education opportunities to students in residential schools and allows school districts to contract with approved agencies for special education programs. The act will take effect on August 1, 2025, unless specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2023, in which case it will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.225.330, 28A.150.510, 28A.155.020, 28A.155.070, 28A.155.050, 28A.155.060, 28A.155.090, 28A.155.100, 28A.155.140
Substitute Bill: 28A.225.330, 28A.150.510, 28A.155.020, 28A.155.070, 28A.155.050, 28A.155.060, 28A.155.090, 28A.155.100, 28A.155.140
Second Substitute: 28A.225.330, 28A.150.510, 28A.155.020, 28A.155.070, 28A.155.060, 28A.155.090, 28A.155.100