The bill seeks to enhance special education funding and support for inclusionary practices in Washington state by amending existing laws, particularly RCW 28A.150.390. Key changes include increasing the special education cost multiplier rates for students in general education settings from 1.12 to 1.18 and from 1.06 to 1.09 for those in less than 80% of the school day. It also allows the superintendent of public instruction to reserve up to 0.005 of the funding generated for statewide special education activities. New provisions mandate the superintendent to engage in statewide activities to support special education, including data reviews and technical assistance for districts with disproportionate identification of students.

Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program for up to 20 pilot schools to create centers of excellence for inclusionary practices, aiming for a funding multiplier of 1.5 for special education students over four years. It sets criteria for grant recipients, focusing on leadership and staff training in inclusionary practices, and requires annual reporting on the program's effectiveness. The bill also introduces eligibility criteria for safety net awards for high-need students based on their individualized education programs (IEPs) and outlines the creation of demonstration projects to support students in distress. Furthermore, it amends funding allocations to ensure full basic education allocations for special education students, introduces a new accounting methodology for expenditures, and sets a goal to prohibit the isolation of students in prekindergarten through grade five by July 1, 2032. If specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2025, the act will be null and void.

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