The bill establishes a new section in chapter 28A.155 RCW that outlines the burden of proof in special education due process hearings. It specifies that, in most cases, the school district is responsible for proving its case regarding various aspects of a student's education, including identification, evaluation, and provision of a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities. This burden includes both persuasion and production of evidence, which must be met by a preponderance of the evidence.

However, there is an exception for parents or guardians seeking tuition reimbursement for a unilateral placement of their child; in such cases, they bear the burden of proof regarding the appropriateness of that placement. The bill clarifies that "due process hearing" refers to those conducted under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.