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HB 2175

Removing the enrollment limit for special education funding.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Valdez

HB 2175 eliminates Washington's special education enrollment cap, potentially expanding access to state-funded services for more students with disabilities.

First reading, referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 2175

Legislative bill overview

HB 2175 would remove the cap on the number of students who can be enrolled in and receive state funding for special education services in Washington. Currently, special education funding is limited by an enrollment cap, which restricts how many students can access these services regardless of actual need or diagnosis.

Why is this important

Removing this cap could expand access to special education services for students currently unable to receive them due to budgetary constraints rather than clinical need. This directly affects families of children with disabilities and school districts struggling to serve all eligible students within existing funding limits.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Removing enrollment caps significantly increases state education spending without specified funding mechanisms, raising questions about where additional revenue comes from
  • Implementation feasibility: School districts may lack sufficient special education staff, facilities, and infrastructure to serve increased enrollment even if funding is provided
  • Definition of need: Unclear whether removal of caps would lead to appropriate identification of students needing services or potential over-identification in some districts while under-identification continues elsewhere
  • Equity concerns: Without careful implementation, some districts may still struggle to serve all eligible students if resources aren't distributed equitably

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

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