This bill amends RCW 28A.150.390 to revise the funding structure for special education programs in Washington state. It establishes a new method for calculating excess cost allocations to school districts based on their enrollment of students eligible for special education. Notably, the bill introduces a "funded enrollment limit," which sets specific percentages for the years 2024-2029, starting at 16 percent and gradually increasing to 17 percent. Additionally, it specifies that certain school districts, such as those with fewer than 2,500 full-time equivalent students or those with significant military family enrollment, are exempt from this limit. The bill also modifies the special education cost multiplier rates for students based on their time spent in general education settings.

Furthermore, the bill adds a new section to chapter 28A.155 RCW, which mandates the office of the superintendent of public instruction to monitor special education programs for potential overidentification of students and overprovision of services. If a school district or charter school is found to be overidentifying students, a corrective action plan must be established. The state auditor is tasked with auditing compliance with these plans and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, particularly for districts with special education enrollment exceeding 16 percent. If corrective actions are not implemented in a timely manner, the excess cost allocation for those districts will be adjusted accordingly.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.390