Committee advances bill aligning state rules with McKinney‑Vento to protect homeless students

The House Education Committee reported House Bill 2,594, a measure that creates state requirements to ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to free, appropriate public education and confirms that actions satisfying the federal McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act also satisfy state requirements.

Staff noted one amendment in the bill packet (H3291.2) sponsored by Representative Reeves that removes duplicative OSPI provisions and clarifies that certain data collection requirements do not apply where the McKinney‑Vento Act assigns authority to the U.S. Secretary of Education. The amendment also added a prohibition on segregating homeless students in school districts that receive implementation funds.

Representative Reeves, the amendment proponent, described the change as technical and emphasized the constitutional and practical importance of ensuring access to education for homeless students. During remarks, Reeves recounted personal experience with homelessness and said the bill represents a ‘‘full circle’’ moment in advocating for students who face housing instability. The motion to incorporate adopted amendments and report the substitute passed; the clerk recorded 14 ayes, 0 nays, and 5 excused.

What’s next: The bill moves to the House for further consideration; implementation and any federal changes will be monitored by OSPI and legislative staff.