Washington House Bill HB2038

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/24
• Report Pass: 1/30/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

Collecting data on student transfers and withdrawals from public schools and school districts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2038 would have significant implications for state laws governing public education. It would mandate the collection of specific data from educational institutions, thereby ensuring that school districts are more accountable for student mobility. This could lead to improved educational outcomes by allowing policymakers to identify areas that require attention, resources, or reform based on the data collected about student demographics and their movements across schools.

Summary

House Bill 2038 seeks to establish a framework for collecting data concerning student transfers and withdrawals from public schools and school districts. The bill is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the education system. By systematically tracking these movements of students, the bill intends to provide insights into trends and patterns in student enrollment, retention, and exits, which can be critical for policy-making and resource allocation in education.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to improve educational oversight, some stakeholders may raise concerns about privacy and data security when it comes to collecting sensitive information about students. Opponents may argue that without proper safeguards, the collection of such data could lead to misuse or misinterpretation, potentially impacting students unfairly. As such, discussions surrounding HB 2038 may involve balancing the need for data with the rights of students and families regarding privacy.

Voting_history

On January 30, 2024, the House Committee on Education voted unanimously (15 yeas, 0 nays) to pass a substitute version of the bill, showing a strong consensus around the need to address the registration and withdrawal processes in public education.