The bill seeks to improve special education funding in Washington State by removing the enrollment cap on students receiving special education services, thereby ensuring equitable access to funding for all students with disabilities. It emphasizes the state's responsibility to provide a free appropriate public education without requiring local districts to generate additional funds. Key provisions include lowering the threshold for accessing special education safety net funds and increasing tiered funding multipliers to alleviate financial burdens on school districts. The bill also mandates the superintendent of public instruction to monitor and support special education services statewide and establishes a new process for distributing safety net awards, particularly for high-cost students.

Significant amendments include changing the eligibility criteria for safety net awards for high-need students starting in the 2025-26 school year. The bill defines a high-need student as one whose individualized education program costs exceed 1.5 times the average per-pupil expenditure, replacing the previous threshold of two and three-tenths times. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section stating that the act will take effect on September 1, 2025, aiming to streamline the eligibility determination process for safety net funding and ensure that more high-need students receive essential financial support for their education.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.390, 28A.150.560, 28A.150.392