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WashingtonSB 51892025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Supporting the implementation of competency-based education.

Sponsored By: Lisa Wellman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Activity rules checked for student barriers

Beginning July 27, 2025, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association must review proposed rules during its rule adoption process. It must check whether those rules create barriers for students in competency-based education. The review supports fair access to activities between schools. It does not require a specific rule change or guarantee any student's participation.

New transcript options for high schoolers

Before the 2026-27 school year, state education officials must update the standard high school transcript and notify public school districts. It must clearly define credits and hours across school schedules and show the state seal of biliteracy when earned. The State Board of Education must also develop or identify and recommend a competency-based transcript format. Districts can use that format as part of, or instead of, the standard transcript. The law does not require districts to adopt the competency-based format.

School funding for mastery-based learning

The law lets districts count full-time students in approved competency-based programs for regular state school funding. State education officials must adopt funding rules by September 1, 2025. The State Board of Education identifies eligible programs through collaborative membership, a current graduation-credit waiver, or its designation process. The law does not set a funding amount per student. The entire law is null and void unless the state budget provides specific funding for it by June 30, 2025.

Innovative learning pilot ends for schools

Beginning July 27, 2025, the law repeals the statute creating Washington's innovative learning pilot program. This removes the pilot's legal basis for participating schools and students. The repeal provision does not name replacement services, funding amounts, or a separate transition period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claudia Kauffman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Manka Dhingra

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul Harris

    Republican • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 154 • No: 40

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 44 • No: 5

House vote • 4/15/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 63 • No: 33 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 47 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/13/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 278, 2025 Laws.

    5/13/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/13/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/23/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 44; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/17/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 63; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/15/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/15/2025Senate

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

    4/15/2025Senate

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

    4/11/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/4/2025Senate

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/4/2025Senate

  16. Minority; do not pass.

    4/4/2025Senate

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

    4/4/2025Senate

  18. Referred to Appropriations.

    3/21/2025Senate

  19. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/20/2025Senate

  20. ED - Majority; do pass.

    3/20/2025Senate

  21. ED - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/20/2025Senate

  22. First reading, referred to Education.

    3/7/2025Senate

  23. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025Senate

  24. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/5/2025Senate

  25. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

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