This bill establishes a formal complaint process to address willful noncompliance with state education laws, reinforcing local control in school governance while ensuring equitable access to a safe learning environment for all students. It introduces definitions for "broad complaint" and "limited complaint," and outlines the responsibilities of local school district superintendents and boards of directors in maintaining compliance with civil rights, curriculum, and student discipline laws. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is tasked with creating a complaint process by July 1, 2026, allowing stakeholders to file complaints after exhausting existing procedures. If willful noncompliance is found, the school district must develop a compliance action plan and hold public hearings, with potential consequences including the withholding of state funds.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the administration of oaths for school officials and establishes a new online complaint system for charter schools, requiring the commission to create a platform for complaints by November 1, 2023. The commission must acknowledge receipt of complaints within 10 business days and take appropriate actions, except for cases of willful noncompliance, which will be forwarded to the OSPI. The legislation also introduces governance provisions for charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools, with certain sections taking effect on August 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and oversight in educational institutions while streamlining the complaint process for stakeholders.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.06B.070, 28A.300.286, 28A.343.360, 28A.710.185
Substitute Bill: 43.06B.070, 28A.300.286, 28A.343.360, 28A.710.185
Second Substitute: 43.06B.070, 28A.300.286, 28A.343.360, 28A.710.185