The Washington State Legislative Session for 2026 is 60 days of hectic activity. With close to 500 bills introduced to date, it is like a grass fire burning across an open field. Sometimes these fires can be put out; other times, they continue spreading. Any bills previously introduced last session are also in play. However, given the sorry state of the budget with reduced revenue, few substantive bills are expected to proceed.
Important Education Issues in 2026
During the session, legislators introduce bills on a wide range of topics. “Education” is one of the main areas of focus. In fact, many legislators consider themselves “experts”. Bills impacting finances, policies, and operations are fires started and they often burn the entire time session runs.
As a principal, there are many proposed bills that directly affect student relations and building operations, such as:
- HB 1795/SB 5654 proposes how to handle student restraint and/or isolation
- SB 5956 deals with the use of AI and student discipline
- HB 2246 updates policies for elementary and secondary school students with firearm violations.
There are many more.
Pensions/Health Benefits
Pensions
Two bills from last session (HB 1474/SB 5085) are in discussion related to granting a cost-of-living increase for retirees in TRS/PERS Plans 1. HB 1474 would grant a one-time ad hoc COLA. This would be funded through the General Fund. SB 5085 would grant a permanent COLA similar to what the other plans have. It would be funded at no cost to the state from surplus funds in the LEOFF 1 retirement account. To date, there have been no hearings scheduled.
Health Benefits
House Bill 2160/Senate Bill 5883 deal with eligibility for membership in the school employees’ benefits board programs during the second school year of employment. Testimony was given “Con” on this concept by representatives from AWSP and WASA. The expense to automatically enroll eligible substitutes into SEBB is a very costly unfunded mandate. The House version will be the vehicle should this bill continue to advance. Currently it is being reworked and awaiting further action.
SB 5086 which seeks to consolidate SEBB and PEBB was introduced last session and may yet be heard. The net effects if this occurs are to make the offerings uniform between both programs and allow for a larger enrollment base for bargaining premium costs.
Other
There are a number of bills that will impact the finances of a district which directly impact building resources. These concern areas like paid family and medical leave, workers’ compensation, labor and industry rates.
Then there are also proposals that affect the workload of a building principal. These include mandates to deal with the student use of cell phone, SB 5272 which seeks to improve school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties, policy directives for dealing with student restraint and isolation, SB 5956 which addresses artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in public schools. And more…..
Summary
AWSP has been very vocal in arguing that unfunded mandates are unacceptable. This argument needs to be continually made when dealing with legislators.
Public Participation
Principals, representing the ‘feet on the ground’ should engage in the legislative process to help control the fires. Tracking bills, submitting testimony, and participating in hearings both in person in Olympia or via Zoom are important ways to let legislators know the impact of pending legislation. Meeting with their local legislators is also critical both during and between sessions.
It’s important to tell your story….the positive or negative impact of any pending pieces of legislation.
How to Stay Informed
AWSP distributes a weekly Legislative Update of what is in play. It’s important to read. The alerts and analysis provided are critical.
