Bill meant to review unfunded mandates on public schools advances

School leaders and organizations point to more than 100 new statutory requirements enacted since 2017.

By: Erick Bengel, Olympia Bureau

Outlets: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 536

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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OLYMPIA — A bill addressing the unfunded and underfunded mandates placed on Washington’s public schools has passed the state House of Representatives.

With HB 2636, the mounting mandates will come under regular review to ensure they are serving schools and their students — and not causing more harm than good.

Introduced by state Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, the bipartisan bill would create a permanent 15-member steering committee composed of education stakeholders, including school …

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