The bill amends RCW 28A.635.060 to establish new guidelines for withholding high school diplomas due to damages caused by students. It specifies that a diploma may be withheld if the damages exceed $1,000, and this withholding can last for up to five years from the date of graduation or until the amount owed is reduced to less than $1,000. If the student and their parent or guardian cannot pay for the damages, the school district is required to provide a community service program, which must be compensated at the local or state minimum wage, whichever is higher. Upon completion of the community service that reduces the owed amount, the diploma must be released.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts adopt procedures to ensure students' due process rights are protected before withholding diplomas. It also requires districts to publish information on their websites regarding the number of diplomas withheld and the demographics of affected students, specifically those eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability in the diploma withholding process while providing alternative means for students to fulfill their obligations through community service.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.635.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.635.060
Session Law: 28A.635.060