The 2026 legislative session has officially come to an end, and four bills were passed that our team at the Washington Autism Alliance tirelessly advocated for and have now been sent to the governor’s desk to be signed.
HB 1795 – Student Safety & Dignity
This law limits the use of restraint and isolation in schools, bans the most harmful practices, such as chemical and mechanical restraint, and increases oversight and reporting. It also moves toward ending isolation for younger students and requires better planning and accountability when interventions are used.
HB 1634 – Stronger School-Based Mental Health Support
This bill helps schools coordinate comprehensive behavioral health services, making it easier for students to access counseling, support, and care without falling through the cracks.
SB 6268 – Special Education Transparency
This law creates a public, online record of special education complaint decisions, helping families understand their rights, track outcomes, and hold systems accountable.
SB 5969 – Smarter Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
This law allows a student’s IEP transition plan to count toward their High School & Beyond Plan, reducing duplication and making planning more student-centered. It also strengthens coordination between schools and state agencies to support students as they transition to adulthood, employment, and postsecondary life.
How We Helped Make This Happen
These wins didn’t happen by accident. We worked alongside advocates, families, and legislators to:
• Meet directly with lawmakers and staff
• Share real stories from families across Washington
• Support testimony and prepare advocates to speak
• Track bills, provide feedback, and push for stronger language
Every email, meeting, and testimony made a difference.
Want to Get Involved?
You don’t need to be a policy expert to make an impact.
Here’s how you can help:
• Contact your legislators and share your story
• Sign in or testify on bills that matter to you
• Join advocacy days, meetings, or community efforts
• Follow along and take action when alerts go out
