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WashingtonHB 12952025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Using evidence-based instructional practices in reading and writing literacy for public elementary students.

Sponsored By: Gerry Pollet (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Early reading help and family updates

Since the 2021–22 school year, Washington districts must screen kindergarten through second-grade students annually for reading risks. Students behind in literacy or showing dyslexia-related weaknesses must receive structured, evidence-based support from educators trained to address their needs. For dyslexia concerns, districts must notify families about the concerns and support plan, provide the state handbook, and regularly report progress. The state must keep the handbook updated online with service guidelines, explanations of special education laws, and parent resources. If signs persist after interventions, districts must recommend evaluation for dyslexia or a specific learning disability.

Stronger reading materials for young students

Beginning September 1, 2027, districts buying or updating kindergarten through fourth-grade literacy curricula must meet new standards. Materials must cover language comprehension, reading and writing fluency, phonics, spelling, sound awareness, vocabulary, and spoken-language skills. They must identify student needs, use multiple senses and teaching formats, reflect students’ cultures, and follow research-backed practices. Curricula must match state English standards and teacher endorsement standards; faithful, lasting use is subject to an undue-burden limit. Within available funds, the state education office must work with regional education service districts to help schools use qualifying curricula.

Updated literacy preparation and teacher training

Washington’s educator standards board must revise teacher endorsement standards whose literacy skills do not meet the law’s requirements. Approved preparation programs must incorporate them within two academic years after the end of the academic year of adoption. Using existing resources, the board must convene approved programs to develop, review, and share literacy teaching materials, including free-to-use resources. Approved public colleges are encouraged, but not required, to participate. Within available resources and with expert advice, the state education office must create, update, and post kindergarten through fourth-grade reading, writing, and spelling training, including dyslexia content; regional delivery is optional.

Earlier teacher development laws are repealed

The law repeals four Washington statutes on teacher preparation and professional development. They cover preparation programs, professional learning partnerships, learning improvement days, and reading instruction and early literacy development. The supplied provision does not establish whether these repeals reduce services or change costs for families.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Cyndy Jacobsen

    Republican • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Skyler Rude

    Republican • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Travis Couture

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 3/12/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/17/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/24/2026House

  2. Chapter 190, 2026 Laws.

    3/24/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/24/2026legislature

  4. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/12/2026House

  5. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/12/2026House

  6. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/12/2026House

  7. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    3/12/2026House

  8. Rules suspended.

    3/12/2026House

  9. Senate receded from amendments.

    3/12/2026Senate

  10. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  11. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  12. Passed final passage; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/12/2026House

  13. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/12/2026House

  14. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  15. House refuses to concur in Senate amendments. Asks Senate to recede from amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  18. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/6/2026House

  19. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  20. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  21. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/25/2026House

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/25/2026House

  23. EDU - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/25/2026House

  24. First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

    2/19/2026House

  25. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/17/2026House

Bill Text

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