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WashingtonSB 57692025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Addressing transition to kindergarten programs.

Sponsored By: Lisa Wellman (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

How funding works for transition to kindergarten

State funding uses the actual annual average number of eligible children enrolled. For funding calculations, a child in this program counts as a kindergarten student, but the program is reported separately. Transportation money is based on reported riders. Funds must be used only to run the transition to kindergarten program, not for basic education.

Phased growth and limits on funded slots

The state limits growth and funding as it expands the program. Beginning in 2025–26, statewide state‑funded enrollment cannot exceed the number set in the budget. In 2025–26 and 2026–27, funding is prioritized for programs that operated in 2024–25. Expansion planning by OSPI and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families focuses on the highest‑need communities and keeps statewide growth to no more than 5% a year. OSPI must report an expansion plan by December 1, 2026. The planning rules end July 1, 2027.

Transition to kindergarten enrollment and no tuition

Children can enroll only if they are at least four by August 31 and the school finds they will benefit. Schools prioritize the lowest‑income families and children most in need and must adopt clear local enrollment policies. State‑funded eligible children do not pay tuition or fees. A child cannot be excluded just because of a disability. Seats are limited and enrollment is not guaranteed.

How schools set up and run transition to kindergarten

The law creates the transition to kindergarten program, run by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and it is not part of basic education funding. OSPI sets minimum standards, visits sites, and, with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, shares statewide best practices and support. Before starting or expanding, schools must do a local child care and early learning needs assessment. Programs may blend or colocate with other early learning options. Some charter schools can operate now; more can start in the 2025–26 school year.

Assessments and student data rules

Enrolled children take the Washington kindergarten inventory at entry and at least once more during the year, unless a parent or guardian excuses them. Each child gets a statewide student ID, and the program is reported as its own class for state data.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 25

Senate vote • 4/24/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 44 • No: 4

House vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 79 • No: 17 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 45 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/17/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 342, 2025 Laws.

    5/17/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/17/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/27/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/26/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/25/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 44; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/24/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/24/2025House

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/22/2025Senate

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 79; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/22/2025Senate

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/22/2025Senate

  12. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/22/2025Senate

  13. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/8/2025Senate

  15. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    3/28/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 45; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/26/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/26/2025Senate

  19. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/26/2025Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/10/2025Senate

  21. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/28/2025Senate

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/28/2025Senate

  23. WM - Majority; do pass.

    2/28/2025Senate

  24. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/28/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    2/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

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