Committee adopts substitutes and advances two education bills to next committees
Summary
In executive session the Early Learning & K–12 Committee adopted substitute measures for SB 5860 (board compensation) and SB 5574 (history instruction), gave both due‑pass recommendations (SB 5860 to Ways & Means; SB 5574 to Rules), and adjourned.
Olympia — In executive session Jan. 20, the Senate Early Learning and K–12 Education Committee adopted substitute amendments and voted to advance two bills.
The committee adopted Proposed Substitute A to Senate Bill 5860, which raises school‑board per‑diem amounts and maximum annual compensation, adds childcare costs as an eligible expense for directors attending meetings, and requires mandatory director training on district funding and finance. The substitute A specifies that compensation must be paid from locally collected excess levy funds and shifts periodic review of compensation limits to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The committee then voted to give SB 5860 a "due pass" recommendation and to forward it to the Ways and Means Committee.
The committee also adopted a proposed substitute to Senate Bill 5574, a bill requiring districts to incorporate instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Latino American and Black American history into social studies courses as part of regular curriculum review cycles and to submit annual reports verifying planned and ongoing instruction. The committee voted to give the substitute a "due pass" recommendation and forward it to the Rules Committee.
Both actions were approved on voice votes; the committee chair announced the bills "passed subject to signature." The committee then adjourned.
