WashingtonHB 25942025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Ensuring that unhoused children and youths in Washington have equal access to free, appropriate public education.

Sponsored By: Kristine Reeves (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Fast enrollment and privacy for homeless students

The law guarantees homeless children and youths the same free public education as other students, including public preschool when eligible. Schools must enroll homeless students right away, even without records or after deadlines. Students stay enrolled while any dispute is resolved, and families get written reasons and appeal rights. Schools must keep and quickly transfer records, and treat housing details as private education records. The state and districts must fix residency and other rules that block enrollment or attendance.

Same school services, no segregation

Homeless students get the same services other students get. This includes transportation, special education, English learner help, career programs, advanced classes, and school meals. Districts that receive funding under this chapter must coordinate with housing and social service agencies and with other districts to reduce disruption. Those schools may not segregate homeless students in separate schools or programs. These rules also apply to charter schools and state‑tribal compact schools.

Statewide help and liaisons for homeless students

The state education office creates a coordinator to lead homeless student work. District liaisons must find students, enroll them, connect them to preschool, health, housing, and transportation, and help unaccompanied youths with college aid. The state must submit and carry out a plan, train staff, and monitor schools. OSPI collects data and reports to the Governor and Legislature by October 1, 2030, and every four years. Following McKinney‑Vento rules as of January 1, 2026 counts as complying with this law.

Stay in your school of origin

Districts must choose the placement that is best for each homeless student. Students can stay in their school of origin while homeless and through the rest of the school year if they get housing midyear. Districts must presume staying is best unless the parent or the youth asks to change. If a district decides not to keep the student there, it must give a written reason and explain how to appeal.

Grants to districts for homeless students

When funds are provided, the state gives competitive grants to districts for homeless student services. Grants can pay for tutoring, transportation, early childhood programs, supplies, record fees, and short‑term emergency help. Grants can last up to three years and require proof the district kept at least 90% of prior fiscal effort per student. Districts must meet federal and state standards to qualify. Schools that fail those standards lose eligibility for this funding until they comply.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kristine Reeves
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House
Joel McEntire
Republican • House
Mari Leavitt
Democratic • House
Shaun Scott
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 237 • No: 2

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 95 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 1 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

Effective date 6/11/2026.
3/24/2026House
Chapter 201, 2026 Laws.
3/24/2026House
Governor signed.
3/24/2026legislature
Speaker signed.
3/12/2026legislature
President signed.
3/12/2026legislature
Delivered to Governor.
3/12/2026legislature
Passed final passage; yeas, 95; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.
3/11/2026House
House concurred in Senate amendments.
3/11/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.
3/6/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/6/2026House
Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.
3/6/2026House
Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/5/2026House
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
3/2/2026House
Minority; without recommendation.
3/2/2026House
WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) by Early Learning & K-12 Education.
3/2/2026House
Referred to Ways & Means.
2/25/2026House
And refer to Ways & Means.
2/24/2026House
EDU - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
2/24/2026House
First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
2/16/2026House
Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 3.
2/12/2026House
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/12/2026House
1st substitute bill substituted.
2/12/2026House
Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/11/2026House
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/4/2026House
ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
2/3/2026House

Bill Text

Session Law
3/31/2026
HTML PDF
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/12/2026
HTML PDF
Substitute Bill
2/4/2026
HTML PDF
Original Bill
1/20/2026
HTML PDF

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