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The 2025 Washington state legislative session kicks off next week, and with it comes a fresh slate of bills that could shape life for families across the state. As lawmakers convene in Olympia, they’ll tackle issues ranging from gender designations for youth athletes, to cell phone bans and funding for things like panic buttons and fencing in schools. Our preview of the session — how it works, and important bills to watch — is one way parents can track and understand how new legislation could impact their family.
What is the legislative session?
The legislative session in Washington state serves several key purposes:
- Introduction and consideration of bills: Legislators introduce and consider new bills, amendments and resolutions. This is the primary time for proposing new laws or revising existing ones, covering a broad range of issues from education to health care, the environment and public safety.
- Budget adjustments: During odd-numbered years, Washington’s legislature passes a biennial (two-year) budget. In even-numbered years, the legislature holds a shorter session, often focused on supplemental budgets to address unforeseen needs or adjust allocations based on economic forecasts and revenue changes.
- Review and oversight: Legislators use the session to review the implementation of existing laws, evaluate state agency performance and address ongoing issues that require legislative oversight.
- Public hearings and stakeholder engagement: Committees hold public hearings where citizens, organizations and lobbyists can testify on proposed legislation. This period allows legislators to gather input from diverse perspectives, which can influence the outcome of bills.
- Setting priorities for the state: Legislators address pressing issues facing the state, such as housing, transportation, climate change and public health. The session often sets the agenda for the year and highlights priority areas.
Legislative session duration
The session’s length varies. Regular sessions last 105 days in odd-numbered years (when a new budget is crafted), and 60 days in even-numbered years, for budget adjustments and other pressing legislative matters.
This year the session will open on Jan. 13 and conclude on April 27.
Prefiled 2025 bills that impact kids and families
HB 1122
Possible cell phone ban for schools
House Bill 1122 proposes restricting student cell phone use during instructional hours in Washington schools to reduce distractions and address mental health concerns. The bill would pilot various approaches, such as pocket charts or radio-frequency-sealed pouches, with state and federal funding to support implementation. Exemptions would allow access for students with disabilities, health needs, emergencies, or specific accommodations in IEPs or 504 plans.
Schools must report initial performance data by December 2025 and adopt policies by the 2026–27 school year. Proponents argue this fosters focus and social engagement, while critics see potential government overreach. Challenges include funding disparities for tools like Yondr pouches and enforcement logistics. Studies from similar initiatives indicate improved academic performance and student well-being, making this a pivotal debate for parents, educators and policymakers.
SB 5003
Money for school safety infrastructure such as panic buttons
Senate Bill 5003, prefiled by Republican Sen. Nikki Torres, proposes a grant program to enhance physical security in Washington K–12 schools. Administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the program would fund projects like door security upgrades, fencing and panic buttons in public schools.
School districts could apply for up to $2 million biennially, with administrative costs capped at 3 percent of grant funds. OSPI must prioritize projects based on safety needs and submit annual progress reports starting in 2025.
While the bill aims to improve immediate safety, critics argue it neglects the root causes of school violence, such as mental health and bullying, and risks creating an institutional atmosphere that may alienate students. Concerns about funding equity also arise, as wealthier districts may outcompete under-resourced ones for grants, exacerbating disparities in school security.
SB 5012
Exclusion of transgender youth and college athletes from school sports
Senate Bill 5012 aims to exclude trans youth athletes from participation in athletic activities for secondary school (starting in seventh grade) and college students. The bill proposes grouping youth sports participants into teams based on their chromosomal makeup (XX or XY) and their self-identified gender. There is a separate category for trans youth who do not fit into either group and trans athletes would not be eligible to play or compete with cisgender peers. Schools can use medical documentation to verify eligibility if needed.
The bill allows students and schools to take legal action if these rules aren’t followed, letting them sue for damages or legal fees. It also protects people from being punished for reporting violations. Schools and colleges that stick to these rules won’t face penalties from athletic organizations or other governing bodies.
School boards and colleges will still oversee sports programs, but they will need to follow these chromosome-based guidelines when allowing youth athletes to participate on sports teams.
SB 5008
Establishing a grant to support assessment, diagnostic and learning tools in public schools
Prefiled by Republican Sen. John Braum and Democratic Sen. Lisa Wellman, Senate Bill 5008 adds two new sections to RCW28A.655, an existing law concerning academic achievement and accountability. The first section acknowledges that the superintendent of public instruction is required to provide schools with an array of inexpensive, easy-to-use assessments to evaluate the academic status of students in grades K–12 in math and language arts, and provide training on the use of these assessments, with the goal of improving student outcomes.
The second section establishes a grant program and specific requirements for the funding, available to school districts, charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools. As outlined in the bill, the grants apply to both purchasing or maintaining digital assessment platforms, and are needs-based to ensure a variety of recipients receive them. Additionally, OSPI will report on the efficacy of the awarded grants annually. This section would expire Dec. 31, 2028.
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Editor’s note: ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson, and managing editor, Allison Sutcliffe, contributed to the reporting and writing of the bill summaries for this article.
