House passes literacy bill to expand evidence‑based reading instruction

The Washington State House passed engrossed substitute House Bill 12-95, a measure aimed at expanding the use of evidence-based literacy instruction and training for educators. Members described the bill as a step to modernize reading instruction and to reduce the share of students reading below grade level.

Representative Pollet, speaking in favor, framed the bill as a response to test scores and long-standing gaps: “Decades of science show that all children in every language learn to read using what we are referring to here as a comprehensive literacy program… Right now, 40 percent of our third and fourth graders aren't reading at grade level.”

The floor considered a technical correction amendment (16-95) aimed at punctuation and clarity in statutory language; the amendment was adopted. Members across the aisle and sponsors emphasized teacher training, college-prep teacher-prep programs, and clock-hour trainings as implementation elements.

After debate and the amendment vote, the clerk reported the final roll-call: 96 yays, 1 nay, 1 excused, and the speaker declared the bill passed. The measure advances under the regular enrollment and transmittal process.