Today marked a significant cutoff in the Washington State Legislative Calendar. We are pleased to report that, with your collective support, several crucial public policies successfully advanced through the policy committees. The bills that progressed include:

• ESHB 1795: Addressing Restraint or Isolation of Students
  This bill addresses the use of restraint or isolation in public schools and educational programs. Despite the consensus on the harmful effects of restraint and isolation, 36 legislators voted against this measure (detailed roll call here). The legislation codifies existing OSPI regulations, prohibiting prone restraints and chemical restraints, and requiring Non-Public Agencies (NPAs) to comply. Key changes include:
  • Exclusion of property damage from the definition of “serious harm.”
  • Prohibition of the creation of new isolation rooms.
  • Requiring parents to request, rather than simply consent to, advance planning of restraints (referred to as emergency response protocols by OSPI).
  • Requiring a licensed health care provider to attest that restraint, as a planned behavior intervention, is medically necessary.
• E2SSB 6070: Supporting the Recovery of Missing Persons (Purple Alerts)
  This bill, which received unanimous and overwhelming support, addresses Washington’s challenges in supporting missing persons, particularly those with disabilities. A key issue is the inaccessibility of the current alert system for people with disabilities who do not automatically qualify. The Purple Alert system will establish a clear process for issuing alerts, which is vital for saving lives by directing community resources effectively. The legislation also seeks to address common misconceptions about autism and the deprioritization of missing adults with disabilities.
• SSB 6268: Maintaining an Online Record of Special Education Complaint (SECC) Decisions
  This unanimously passed bill addresses the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) recent change in retention policy to destroy SECC decisions after five years. These decisions reflect OSPI’s interpretation and application of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and serve as essential guidance for both parents and school districts. Maintaining an online record is critical for transparency and consistent application of special education law.
• E3SHB 1634: Addressing Student Mental Health and Self-Harm
  In response to an increase in suicide and self-harm among middle school students—and reports that half of Washington teens struggle with uncontrollable worries—this bill seeks to provide comprehensive mental health support. The legislation proposes to:
  • Establish necessary structure and support for student mental health within schools.
  • Provide resources to assist families.
  • Mandate training for teachers and administrators.
  • Connect school districts with qualified behavioral health partners.
• HB 2688: Proposed Cuts to Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
  HB 2688 had proposed a 17% cut, or over $15 million annually, to Washington’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program. Due to our collective and effective advocacy, the House and Senate budgets were released with NO CUTS TO ESIT. This positive development makes it highly unlikely that HB 2688, in its current formulation, will advance.

Path Forward for Legislation

Our legislative efforts are ongoing. The successful bills must navigate three additional stages to become law:

• March 2: Bills must pass the fiscal committee in the opposite chamber.
• March 6: Bills must pass a vote by the entire opposite chamber.
• March 12: Last day of session (Sine Die). The Governor then has five days to act on a bill during the session, or 20 days if the legislature has adjourned.

We greatly appreciate your unwavering support and participation, which has been instrumental in achieving this progress. To continue your engagement, please complete this brief survey to indicate your preferred level of involvement.

Thank you for your commitment to change.

~Arzu Forough – Founder and CEO, Washington Autism Alliance