The bill amends Washington state law to enhance special education funding and support for students with disabilities. It requires the superintendent of public instruction to submit a budget request for special education programs every odd-numbered year and introduces a revised formula for calculating excess cost allocations to school districts. Key changes include increasing the special education cost multiplier from 1.2 to 1.32 and allowing the superintendent to reserve funds for statewide special education activities. Additionally, the bill mandates the superintendent to engage in activities that support students receiving special education services, such as data reviews and providing technical assistance to districts with disproportionate identification of students.

Moreover, the bill modifies the safety net funding process for districts needing additional special education funding, specifying that safety net awards will be distributed quarterly starting in the 2025-26 school year, based on eligibility criteria. It also adjusts the definition of a high-need student for safety net awards, changing the threshold for individualized education program costs to 1.75 times the average per-pupil expenditure. The legislation establishes a framework for a statewide online system for individualized education programs (IEPs) to improve compliance and efficiency, while ensuring student confidentiality and family engagement. Additionally, it mandates that funding for special education students be generated for the entire school day, regardless of their educational setting, and requires regular reporting to the legislature on funding allocations, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.390, 28A.150.392
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.390, 28A.150.392, 43.216.580, 28A.150.560
Second Substitute: 28A.150.390, 28A.150.392, 43.216.580, 28A.150.560
Engrossed Second Substitute: 28A.150.390, 28A.150.392, 43.216.580, 28A.150.560