H-0262.1
HOUSE BILL 1140
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Couture, Walsh, Corry, Ley, Jacobsen, and Barnard
Prefiled 12/30/24. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee on Education.
AN ACT Relating to creating school choice with empowerED scholarships using educational savings accounts; amending RCW 28A.225.350 ; reenacting and amending RCW 43.79A.040 and 43.79A.040 ; adding a new section to chapter 28B.77 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 82 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The state Constitution makes clear that it is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sex. The legislature finds the state is failing to meet that paramount duty by providing an education system that, as it exists in statute, discriminates based on these protected classes by forcing children into schools based on their zip code. This creates a system where children and their families often have no other choice but a failing local public school. The state does not provide for the education of children outside of the public school system which means the quality of their education is set by what neighborhood they live in. This is a blatant injustice and a profound violation of civil rights.
(2) The legislature also recognizes the power entrusted to parents to do what is best for their children. Parents can choose to place their student in a common school, charter public school, private school, micro school, or provide home-based instruction. However, not all parents have access to every option. Public charter schools are limited in number and space, while private school options require an extra financial investment from families. Home school requires both, extra financial and time investments, from parents. The legislature knows that wealthy families can pay to send their students to a private school but the families for many kids in rural and poor communities often do not have this ability. The legislature intends to allow all students regardless of protected or socioeconomic status to have the same opportunity to succeed.