The bill seeks to enhance mental and behavioral health support for students in Washington schools by increasing staffing allocations for educational support professionals. It acknowledges the vital role these professionals play, especially in the context of challenges arising from social media and the pandemic. Key amendments to existing laws, specifically RCW 28A.150.260 and 28A.400.007, include new provisions that raise minimum staffing allocations for paraeducators across all school levels. The legislation mandates that the superintendent of public instruction create rules to ensure that school districts use the additional funding to bolster staffing, prevent layoffs, or increase salaries for paraeducators and other support staff. It also emphasizes transparency by requiring the superintendent to report per-pupil funding allocations for various educational programs on a user-friendly website.

Additionally, the bill enhances funding for educational programs targeting students with diverse needs, including those whose primary language is not English and highly capable students. It establishes minimum allocations for supplemental instruction based on the head count of eligible students and ensures full school year funding for paraeducators and noninstructional aides for the 2023-24 school year. The bill also includes provisions for biennial reviews of the basic education funding distribution formula, allowing legislative oversight. Importantly, it stipulates that if specific funding for the act is not secured by June 30, 2024, the act will become null and void, reflecting a commitment to improving educational resources while ensuring accountability in funding distribution.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050
Second Substitute: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050
Session Law: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050