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Committee hears debate over narrow bill to allow some schools sited outside urban growth areas
Summary
HB 2459 would let school districts site schools in rural areas that serve urban students under narrow conditions mirroring a Pierce County exception; supporters said it helps overcrowded districts that already own land, while opponents urged local planning and regional processes (PSRC) be honored.
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2459, which would expand limited authority to site schools outside urban growth areas (UGAs) for districts that can show a proposed rural site is suitable and is contiguous to existing district property. Staff explained the change extends an existing Pierce County pathway statewide in narrowly defined circumstances and would remain subject to mitigation and planning-policy requirements; the authority would expire on 2031-06-30 under current draft language.
Supporters—i…
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