Washington State PTA Legislative Updates

Washington State PTA is committed to advocating for every child and improving public education across the state. As we move through the 2025–2026 legislative cycle, here are the latest updates and ways you can get involved

Top Legislative Priorities (2025–2026)

The current platform focuses on five key areas:

  • Closing funding gaps in basic education including special education, student transportation, and materials
  • Expanding access to school-based mental health and counseling services
  • Fully funding special education by removing state-imposed caps and improving staffing
  • Preventing gun violence and suicide through safe firearm storage and increased mental health resources
  • Improving access to school construction funding by lowering bond approval thresholds

WSPTA also supports efforts in digital equity and ensuring school infrastructure is prepared for climate change impacts.

Recent Legislative Wins and Updates

  • The 2025 session concluded in April with some notable progress
  • The state removed the special education funding cap, marking a major step toward equity
  • Continued shortfalls remain in state funding for transportation and educational materials
  • WSPTA opposed reductions to enrichment levies and Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) funding

PTA delegates from across Washington gathered on October 18–19, 2025 for the 47th annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly, where members helped shape the association’s advocacy focus for the year ahead. 

Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki (Bellevue School District Superintendent) & Chase Turner (Bellevue High School Student)

Bellevue High School PTSA Delegates: Chase Turner (BHS Sophomore Student), Andrea Turner (BHS PTSA Legislative Representative), and Nicole Khouw (BHS PTSA Co-President)

WSPTA Legislative Assembly 2025:

Issue:

  • Restoring funding for education and wrap-around supports

Approved Two New Principles: WSPTA Legislative Principles

  • Budget, Revenue and Funding
  • Addressing food insecurity

Approved Resolution: Resolutions

Amended Resolutions:

The membership voted to add Restoring funding for education and wrap-around supports to the WSPTA legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session. This allows WSPTA to advocate for legislation or polices at the state level for federal programs previously funded for children, youth, and families (healthcare, food, special education).

The delegates voted to add two principles under the WSPTA legislative principles. Under the Budget, Revenue, and Funding category, a principle opposing school vouchers was approved. Under the Health and Well-Being of Children and Youth category, a principle advocating for local, state, and federal programs related to food insecurity was approved.

The delegates voted to adopt a new resolution and amend two existing resolutions. Resolutions are a long-term part of the WSPTA legislative platform. They provide guidance to advocacy for all levels of PTA in Washington State. The new resolution for Rights and Services for Immigrant Children and Youth was adopted. This resolution highlights the beliefs that every child residing in the United States-regardless of immigration status-has the right of access to a high-quality public education.

Resolution Digital and Internet Safety was amended to reflect Artificial Intelligence and its presence for children. Also amended was the resolution LGBTQ+Inclusion to be renamed LGTQIA2S+Safety and Inclusion.

Find these changes here and learn more about advocacy. 

Save these advocacy dates:

  • Pre-Session Legislator Panel (webinar): Dec. 10, 2025, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
  • What to Expect during the 2026 State Legislative Session (webinar): Jan. 7, 2026, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
    • Join Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan and leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a discussion about priorities during the 2025 Legislative Session
  • WSPTA Focus Day: January 19, 2026 (Olympia)

How to Get Involved

  • Sign up for WSPTA Action Alerts to contact your legislators when timely issues arise
  • Attend Focus Day in Olympia or schedule remote meetings with your local representatives here 
  • Explore the Advocacy Toolkit with talking points, templates, and resources

For more information, visit the WAPTA Advocacy Page or check out the full Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2025 – 2026

Stay informed and stay involved—your voice matters for every child in Washington.

 

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