The bill aims to enhance civics education in Washington public schools by mandating instruction on the production and use of official signatures, particularly cursive handwriting. It recognizes the decline in cursive instruction due to technological advancements and limited classroom time, which can hinder students' ability to engage in civic duties such as voting and entering legal agreements. The legislation requires that, starting with the 2027-28 school year, high school students receive instruction on producing a legible, repeatable cursive signature and understanding its significance in electoral processes. Additionally, the development of related curriculum will be coordinated with the office of the secretary of state and county auditors.

The bill also amends existing laws to include new reporting requirements for school districts regarding their compliance with this signature instruction. It mandates that the state board of education monitor and report on which districts are providing this instruction. Furthermore, it enhances the responsibilities of the secretary of state to conduct surveys on ballot rejection rates, specifically analyzing rejections due to signature mismatches, and to provide this data to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for inclusion in civic education resources. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that students are equipped with essential skills for civic participation and to improve the integrity of the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.230.094, 29A.60.300