Senate passes bill allowing districts to transfer surplus devices to students
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Summary
Senators approved substitute Senate Bill 6222 to let school districts transfer surplus technology (laptops/tablets) to students at depreciated value, prioritizing low-income students; supporters said the bill is optional for districts and aims to reduce the digital divide.
The Senate voted to pass Substitute Senate Bill 6222, authorizing school districts to provide surplus technology hardware — laptops and tablets — to students for use during the school year at depreciated value and allowing districts to prioritize low-income students.
Senator Hunt, sponsor, said the bill grew out of conversations with Issaquah School District, which described students who rely on school devices and devices left unused in storage. "This bill fixes that," Hunt said, describing it as an optional tool that allows districts to give devices to students who need them most.
Senator Harris and others voiced support for the measure as a targeted, flexible approach. The roll call showed 49 ayes, 0 nays and the substitute bill was declared passed.
Why it matters: Sponsors said the bill reduces waste and improves access for students who lose device access after leaving school systems. The law is optional and leaves decisions to local districts.
What’s next: The bill was declared passed and will proceed to enrollment and the normal enactment process.