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Committee backs bill to create behavioral‑health technical assistance framework for schools
Summary
The House Education Committee reported the second substitute to House Bill 16 34 (H‑3,108.1) with a due‑pass recommendation after debate over a null‑and‑void budget amendment; the final committee vote was 12–5 with 2 excused. The bill directs OSPI and ESDs to develop a statewide framework and conduct system needs‑assessment and resource mapping.
The House Education Committee reported second substitute House Bill 16 34 (identified as H‑3,108.1) from committee with a due‑pass recommendation after members debated a budget contingency amendment that failed.
Megan Wardacki, counsel to the committee, summarized the proposed second substitute as directing the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Educational Service Districts (ESDs) to collaborate with behavioral‑health agencies and community partners to develop a technical assistance and training framework to support student behavioral health. Wardacki said the framework would require a system‑level needs assessment and resource mapping and include minimum components aligned to the legislatively directed Washington Thriving Strategic Plan. She noted version differences: an earlier version required districts to use the framework once developed and to post it on public websites by 08/01/2027; the second proposed substitute removes the mandatory use and the posting requirement and expands consultation with family‑advocacy organizations.
Representative Couture urged adoption of a null‑and‑void amendment, citing a fiscal note he described as $5,500,000 over four years and expressing concern about unfunded mandates in a tight budget. The chair and other members responded that fiscal decisions are appropriately handled in the Appropriations Committee and that the substitute seeks to offer technical assistance districts may use rather than impose spending mandates. The null‑and‑void amendment failed on a voice vote.
After discussion, the clerk called the roll and the committee recorded 12 ayes, 5 nays and 2 excused, reporting second substitute House Bill 16 34 with a due‑pass recommendation. Supporters said the framework aims to increase access to prevention, early identification, intervention and crisis supports by coordinating existing services and improving technical assistance for districts; opponents warned of potential costs and unfunded mandates and pressed for clarity on funding and implementation.
The bill will proceed to the next legislative step for further consideration.
