WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5193

Supporting remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 6 co-sponsors

Empowers districts with online programs to administer statewide tests remotely for all their students beginning 2027-28, as OSPI updates policies on remote testing (no new funding).

Senate Rules "X" file.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5193

Summary of SB 5193: Supporting remote testing options for students in online school programs

Purpose and intent

  • Enables school districts that operate online school programs to provide statewide assessments remotely for all students in those programs.
  • Aims to reduce burdens on families (travel, scheduling, costs) and reduce testing-related stress, while preserving fairness, equity, and test integrity.

Key provisions (as amended)

  • Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, districts with online school programs may offer remote administration of statewide assessments to all students in those programs.
  • OSPI responsibilities:
    • By April 1, 2027, develop or update assessment administration and security policies to support remote testing for online-program students, including remote administration of statewide academic assessments.
    • Policies must address: qualifications for testing personnel; maximum student-to-proctor ratio; remote testing environment requirements; device and network requirements; and parental consent/agreement forms.
    • OSPI to review and revise agency rules as necessary, with encouragement to use pilot-rulemaking processes.
  • Definitions added (per amended language) to clarify scope:
    • “Statewide assessments” and “statewide academic assessments” refer to the general and alternate academic achievement assessments administered statewide in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
    • “Device” includes computers, tablets, and smartphones used for test administration.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which it is passed.
  • No new appropriation is specified in the bill; a fiscal note is available.

Who would be affected

  • Students enrolled in online school programs (and their families), who would have the option to complete state assessments remotely.
  • School districts offering online programs (responsible for implementing remote testing options).
  • OSPI, which would establish and administer the policies and rules governing remote testing.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025.
  • Major actions included multiple committee hearings and amendments in early 2025.
  • Substitute and amendment activity culminated in a version that clarifies definitions and policy requirements.
  • Status: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading (as of April 27, 2025).
  • Original schedule targeted implementation starting with the 2027-28 school year.

Fiscal note

  • Appropriation: None.
  • Fiscal note: Available (explicitly noted, but no new funding is attached to the bill).

Context and intent signals

  • Public testimony in support highlighted reduced barriers, lower stress for students, and alleviation of costs for families.
  • No opposition noted in testimony cited.

This bill would therefore shift a portion of statewide testing logistics from in-person testing sites to home/remote environments for students in online programs, contingent on OSPI rulemaking and policy updates by 2027-28.

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

Sign in to ask a question.