This bill mandates that public schools in Washington state commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent by designating January as Chinese American/Americans of Chinese descent history month. The previous encouragement for schools to recognize this month has been changed to a requirement, ensuring that schools actively engage in appropriate activities that honor the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of these communities.

Additionally, starting September 1, 2025, school districts must incorporate instruction about the Chinese Exclusion Act and other significant historical events, such as the Tacoma method, into their social studies curriculum. To assist with this requirement, the Washington State Historical Society, in collaboration with a nonprofit organization focused on civic harmony, will provide a free curriculum. School districts are allowed to modify this curriculum to better fit their regional context or integrate it with existing materials.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.117.130