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WashingtonSB 57692025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Addressing transition to kindergarten programs.

Sponsored By: Lisa Wellman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Charter schools can offer kids kindergarten preparation

Starting in 2025–26, charter schools authorized under either of Washington’s two charter authorization routes can offer transition-to-kindergarten programs. This expands which schools can offer children extra preparation before kindergarten. The law does not require charter schools to open programs or guarantee funding.

Capped kindergarten preparation funding favors existing programs

Starting in 2025–26, Washington caps state-funded transition-to-kindergarten enrollment at the annual average full-time student amount set in the state budget. This provision does not set a specific number of places. During 2025–26 and 2026–27, the state education office must prioritize funding for programs that operated in 2024–25. This favors existing programs while limiting the total number of state-funded places available to families.

Kindergarten preparation plan targets need, caps growth

Washington’s education and children’s services agencies must recommend a transition-to-kindergarten expansion plan that also considers other state-funded early-learning programs. These include the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. The plan must prioritize unmet need, child care shortages, high school lunch eligibility and disability rates, and low kindergarten readiness. Recommended growth cannot exceed 5% each year in statewide annual average full-time enrollment. The education office must submit recommendations to the Legislature and Governor by December 1, 2026; the planning requirement expires July 1, 2027.

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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