Bill to codify McKinney‑Vento duties and require an OSPI state plan draws personal testimony and support

Substitute House Bill 2,594 would codify provisions of the federal McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act into Washington state law, direct the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to submit a state plan to the Legislature, designate a state coordinator for homeless education, collect periodic data, and make competitive grants to districts subject to appropriation.

Alex, the committee staffer, told the committee OSPI and districts already meet many McKinney‑Vento requirements and a fiscal note on the original bill estimated no fiscal impact. Representative Christine Reeves (30th LD) said she sponsored the bill because her district — she said Federal Way is the second most diverse in the state and has over 1,600 students experiencing homelessness — and she described her own history of youth homelessness as a reason to protect students through codification.

Building Changes’ Aaron Yard testified the bill increases cooperation, transparency and accountability, especially for rural partners who may not recognize homelessness in forms that match urban narratives. Jonas Rios gave personal testimony describing housing instability, an IEP for emotional disturbance, and how community supports helped him stabilize and reach college; he urged passage so schools can better identify and help students experiencing homelessness.

Supporters said codifying McKinney‑Vento at the state level will protect students if federal supports change and create clearer expectations for districts. The committee did not take a public vote during the hearing; witnesses asked for a legislative move to pass the bill.