The proposed legislation establishes a formal complaint process to address 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" and "limited complaints," outlines the responsibilities of school district superintendents and boards, and mandates the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to create a complaint process by July 1, 2026. This process allows students, parents, and community members to file complaints regarding noncompliance with laws related to civil rights, harassment, curriculum requirements, and student discipline. The OSPI is tasked with investigating these complaints and developing compliance action plans if noncompliance is found, with potential consequences for willful noncompliance, including public hearings and the withholding of state funds.

Additionally, the bill authorizes school officials to administer oaths or affirmations without charge and requires that all oaths of office be filed with the county auditor. It specifies that newly elected school directors will begin their terms at the first official board meeting after election results are certified. The legislation amends RCW 28A.710.185 to require the establishment of an online complaint submission system for charter school students and parents by November 1, 2023. It also outlines new procedures for handling complaints that must be forwarded to the OSPI after existing procedures have been exhausted and establishes governance for charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools, with certain sections taking effect on August 1, 2025.

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