The bill seeks to extend special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22 years old, amending several sections of Washington state law to align with federal regulations. It recognizes that the current policy of discontinuing services at age 21 may violate federal mandates for free appropriate public education for children with disabilities aged 3 to 21. The new provisions require the continuation of special education services for eligible students until they reach 22, ensuring that they receive necessary support during critical transitional periods. Additionally, the bill emphasizes collaboration among state agencies to enhance transition planning activities for students likely to become eligible for services from the developmental disabilities administration.

Key amendments include redefining the age range for special education services from "between the ages of three and twenty-one" to "beginning at three years of age and concluding at the end of the school year in which the resident turns 22 years of age." The bill also mandates that school districts obtain consent before releasing student information and expands educational programs to include students with disabilities as defined in RCW 28A.155.020. Furthermore, it establishes rules for waiving fees for preadmission screening based on family income and allows school districts to deny admission to adjudicated sex offenders under certain conditions. The updated implementation plan is required to be completed by October 30, 2026, with the transition planning section set to expire on August 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.155.020, 28A.155.070, 28A.155.170, 28A.230.120, 28A.190.030, 28A.225.160, 28A.705.010, 28A.225.240, 72.40.040, 72.40.060
Substitute Bill: 28A.155.020, 28A.155.070, 28A.155.170, 28A.230.120, 28A.190.030, 28A.225.160, 28A.705.010, 28A.225.240, 72.40.040, 72.40.060