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Bill

Bill

SB 5263

Concerning special education funding.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 15 co-sponsors

Washington modifies special education funding formula effective July 27, 2025, adjusting district reimbursement rates for serving students with disabilities.

Effective date 7/27/2025*.
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Bill Summary · SB 5263

Legislative bill overview

SB 5263 modifies Washington state's special education funding formula to adjust how schools are reimbursed for serving students with disabilities. The bill became law on May 19, 2025, with an effective date of July 27, 2025, and was sponsored by bipartisan legislators focused on education funding.

Why is this important

Special education funding directly affects the resources available to serve approximately 100,000+ students with disabilities in Washington schools. Changes to the funding formula can either increase or decrease district revenue, impacting staffing levels, specialized services, and classroom supports for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs).

Potential points of contention

  • Formula methodology: The specific adjustments to how funding is calculated may benefit some districts while disadvantaging others, particularly rural vs. urban areas or districts with varying special needs populations
  • Implementation timeline: The July 27, 2025 effective date may create budget planning challenges for districts that have already finalized their 2025-26 fiscal year budgets
  • Adequacy concerns: Stakeholders may dispute whether adjusted funding levels are truly sufficient to meet students' documented needs or if they merely shift existing shortfalls

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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