The bill aims to enhance special education funding and support 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 inclusive settings. The bill also allows the superintendent of public instruction to reserve up to 0.005 of the funding generated for statewide special education activities. New sections are introduced to establish statewide activities that support special education, such as data reviews to prevent disproportionate identification of students and providing technical assistance to districts. Additionally, a grant program is created for up to 20 pilot schools to develop centers of excellence for inclusionary practices, with funding aimed at achieving a multiplier of 1.5 for eligible students over four years.

Moreover, the bill establishes eligibility criteria for safety net awards for high-need students based on the costs of their individualized education programs (IEPs) and outlines the creation of demonstration projects funded by the omnibus operating appropriations act. These projects will focus on developing school-wide systems to support students in distress and preventing crisis situations, with an emphasis on inclusive teaching practices and behavior management for students with disabilities. The bill also mandates the development of a new allocation and cost accounting methodology for special education funding and includes a provision to prohibit the isolation of students in prekindergarten through grade five by July 1, 2032. Progress reports and evaluations of the demonstration projects will be submitted to the legislature, ensuring accountability, and the act will become null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

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