House Education Committee outlines interim plan constraints and member priorities including science-of-reading, alternative learning and behavioral health

The Washington State House Education Committee met in Olympia for interim planning and set parameters for its summer and fall activities while members described the issues they plan to study before the next legislative session. Chair Representative Tera Santos opened the meeting by reading guidance that limits overnight travel for staff and asks committees to "plan no more than 3 meetings," submit interim plans about three weeks after sine die, and avoid scheduling meetings in May, between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15, and after Dec. 17.

Why it matters: Committee members said the interim is the time to gather evidence, visit local programs and work across party lines to shape bills for the next session. Members proposed tours, research and stakeholder meetings intended to inform future legislation on reading instruction, alternative learning pathways, behavioral health in schools, school food programs and other operational issues.

Committee logistics and limits: Chair Representative Tera Santos read the planning directions the committee received, stressing constraints on overnight travel and the need to limit committee meetings and avoid certain date ranges to reduce staff overtime. She told members off-site meetings "will be considered on a case by case basis if they do not require overnight stays," and noted the committee may schedule meetings fully virtual, hybrid or in person in…