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The 2025 Washington state legislative session kicked off mid-January, and with it came 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.
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.
SB 5186
Adjusting voter approval thresholds for school district elections
Prefiled by Democratic Sen. Manka Dhingra and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, Senate Bill 5186 amends several sections of Washington state law concerning school district elections and bonded indebtedness. The bill lowers the voter approval threshold for school district ballot measures from three-fifths (60 percent) to 55 percent. This adjustment applies to propositions for validating indebtedness, issuing bonds and approving tax levies for capital purposes.
The bill also updates procedural requirements for school districts seeking voter approval to issue bonds or adjust financial obligations. It specifies that elections must still comply with state rules on voter turnout and timing but aims to ease the path for districts to secure funding for capital improvements, such as constructing and remodeling schools. If passed, the provisions would have a contingent effective date tied to the enactment of complementary legislation. This measure reflects ongoing efforts to address school funding challenges while maintaining voter oversight.
SB 5233
Establishing a universal health care system for Washington
Sponsored by Democratic senators Bob Hasegawa, Liz Lovelett and others, Senate Bill 5233 proposes the creation of a unified, nonprofit financing entity called the Washington Health Trust. This trust would provide universal health care coverage to all state residents, offering comprehensive medical benefits, including primary care, dental, vision and prescription drugs. The bill seeks to eliminate premiums, deductibles and co-payments while guaranteeing stable coverage from birth, regardless of income, employment or socioeconomic status. It emphasizes equitable access to care and aims to reduce disparities that disproportionately impact historically marginalized communities.
The bill outlines a framework for simplifying health care financing through standardized reimbursement rates, bulk purchasing and administrative efficiencies. Eligible residents may access services from participating providers within or outside the state, with protections against discrimination based on race, gender, immigration status or other factors. Additional benefits beyond the trust’s coverage may still be offered by employers.
HB 1163 and SB 5140
Requiring a permit to purchase firearms
House Bill 1163 and Senate Bill 5140, introduced by a coalition of Democratic lawmakers, seek to establish a permit-to-purchase system for firearms in Washington state. These bills amend existing firearm regulations by requiring individuals to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm, ensuring that background checks are conducted in advance rather than solely at the point of sale. Applicants must complete safety training and meet specific eligibility criteria before being granted a permit, which would be issued by local law enforcement.
By implementing a permit system, HB 1163 and SB 5140 aim to reduce firearm-related deaths, curb illegal gun trafficking, and prevent firearms from falling into dangerous hands. The legislation also introduces additional oversight in the early stages of firearm acquisition, creating a more comprehensive safety framework. These measures align with research-backed strategies to improve public safety while maintaining lawful access to firearms for eligible individuals.
HB 1620
Reducing domestic violence provisions in parenting plans
Prefiled by Republican Rep. Jim Walsh, House Bill 1620 proposes changes to Washington’s family law statutes concerning parenting plans and custody determinations. The bill aims to create a presumption of 50/50 parental decision-making and residential time schedules, except in cases where indisputable evidence shows such arrangements would harm the child.
Critics warn that HB 1620 could endanger domestic violence survivors and their children by weakening critical protections currently required by RCW 26.09.191, known as 191 Restrictions, which limit the parental rights of domestic violence perpetrators. Under current law, courts must restrict an abusive parent’s decision-making authority and parenting time, except in exceptional circumstances. Opponents argue that HB 1620 introduces new legal pathways for abusers to seek shared custody, putting children in danger and enabling further abuse on former intimate partners. Supporters argue that the bill expands parental rights and ensures that both parents have a meaningful role in their child’s life.
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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. This article was originally published on Dec. 23, 2024. It was updated on Jan. 24, 2025 to include information about Senate Bill 5186, on Jan. 27 to include information about Senate Bill 5233, on Jan. 29 to include information about House Bill 1163 and Senate Bill 5140, and on Feb. 3 to include information about House Bill 1620.
