BSNPTA Legislative Bill Tracker

The BSNPTA Board is tracking the following bills in the 2016 Washington Legislative Session.  
Below you will find information about those bills.
  • We will also be sending out "Call to Action" information as bills are being heard in committee and moving through the process.
  • Please watch this page and contact your legislator about bills that are important to you and your family.  Legislators want to hear from you.

Questions can be directed to BellevueSpecialNeeds@gmail.com
How to use the Bill Tracker:  
  • The Senate (SB) and House (HB) bills are listed on the left side of the page.  
  • A brief description of the bill and comments from the BSNPTA Board are on the right side.  
  • The Hearing Date for each bill is listed, if scheduled.  
  • The bill numbers are linked to the Washington State Legislature website page pertaining to that bill.  You can choose to Comment on the Bill directly from that legislature page.  

SB 6408
Bill Description:
Concerning paraeducators.

Hearing Date:
Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education on January 28th at 8:00 AM.

Comment:
This bill specifies the minimum employment standards for a paraeducator who works in the special education program, the basic education program, the learning assistance program, the federal disadvantaged program, and English language learner programs. 

HB 1293
Bill Description:
Concerning paraeducators.

Hearing Date:
Public hearing in the House Committee on Education on January 18th at 1:30 PM.

Comment:
This bill was originally put forward in the 2015 session and is being heard again in the 2016 session.  It specifies the minimum employment standards for a paraeducator who works in the special education program, the basic education program, the learning assistance program, the federal disadvantaged program, and English language learner programs. 

HB 2409
Bill Description:
Increasing supports for special needs students.

Hearing Date:
Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Education on January 25th at 1:30 PM.

Comment:
This bill pertains to transition planning for any student who qualifies under section 504.

HB 2394
Bill Description:
Creating the parent to parent program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hearing Date:
Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services on January 19th at 8:00 AM.

HB 2556
Bill Description:
Eliminating the certificate of academic achievement as a requirement for high school graduation.

Hearing Date:
Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Education on January 26th at 1:30 PM.

SB 6244
Bill Description:
Implementing strategies to close the educational opportunity gap.

Hearing Date:
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education on January 19th at 1:30 PM 

Comment:
Includes language to disaggregate CIA and CAA diplomas and looks at data portability for students with disabilities.

SB 6243
Bill Description:
Concerning a training program for educators and parents to develop students' social and emotional skills to help prevent youth suicide.

Hearing Date:
TBA

Comment:
In response to DOH report and includes SEL as a priority and strategy.