H-3298.1
HOUSE BILL 2719
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Marshall, Couture, and Stuebe
Read first time 02/03/26. Referred to Committee on Education.
AN ACT Relating to creating school choice with empowerED scholarships for foster care students 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) Article IX, section 1 of 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 that among the most vulnerable populations in our state are children in the foster care system. Students who are the subject of a dependency proceeding face unique educational challenges and barriers that require specialized support and flexibility. Research consistently shows that students in foster care experience higher rates of school mobility, disrupted educational services, lower academic achievement, and reduced graduation rates compared to their peers.
(2) The legislature recognizes that foster care students often face circumstances that make traditional public school settings challenging, including frequent placement changes, trauma, special education needs, and the need for therapeutic services. While the public school system strives to meet these needs, not every foster care student thrives in a traditional public school environment. Parents, foster parents, and caregivers should have access to educational options that best meet the unique needs of the foster care students in their care.