This bill establishes April as "International Genocide Prevention and Awareness Month" in Washington state, mandating public schools to conduct age-appropriate educational activities focused on the Holocaust and genocide education during this month. It requires public middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools to include Holocaust instruction in their curricula, emphasizing the systematic genocide perpetrated by the Nazi regime and its collaborators from 1933 to 1945, as well as other genocides and crimes against humanity. Schools are encouraged to offer at least one stand-alone elective on Holocaust and genocide education for students in grades six through twelve.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which must collaborate with various organizations to develop best practices and guidelines for teaching these subjects. It mandates the use of screening criteria to eliminate bias in instructional materials and requires the office to report on its collaboration efforts with diasporic communities impacted by genocide. The provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2027, with certain sections expiring in 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.115
Substitute Bill: 28A.300.115
Engrossed Substitute: 28A.300.115