Bill would let charter schools seek basic‑education waivers available to districts

House Education Committee staff described Substitute Senate Bill 5,418 as a technical fix to allow charter public schools the same waiver access from basic‑education requirements that school districts may seek today.

Supporters told the committee the change would align practice with intent and allow charter schools to pursue waivers for instructional flexibility without changing the 180‑day requirement. Charter schools would remain accountable to authorizers and state learning standards; the bill extends existing waiver mechanisms so charter contracts may request exemptions through the superintendent of public instruction or the State Board of Education.

"The proposed change will allow SBE and the state board the same waiver authority to charter public schools as you do for traditional districts," said Marcus Harden of the Washington State Charter School Commission, urging the committee to adopt the technical fix. Charter school leaders described specific operational problems that have arisen when waiver statutes referenced "school districts" and not charter organizations; one charter principal said his school was denied a credit‑based graduation waiver on that basis.

Witnesses asked lawmakers to consider whether the statutory language should allow authorizers to consult with the State Board of Education on new or revised contracts that affect board duties. Supporters characterized the change as narrowly targeted to correct a statutory gap and urged passage; a fiscal note was provided in committee materials and public sign‑ins showed broad support from charter school groups.

The committee concluded the public hearing and recorded public testimony counts; no committee vote was taken during the session.