title: RCW 28A.155.160

text:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the department of children, youth, and families, the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth, the Washington state school for the blind, school districts, educational service districts, and all other state and local government educational agencies and the department of services for the blind, the department of social and health services, and all other state and local government agencies concerned with the care, education, or habilitation or rehabilitation of children with disabilities may enter into interagency cooperative agreements for the purpose of providing assistive technology devices and services to children with disabilities. Such arrangements may include but are not limited to interagency agreements for the acquisition, including joint funding, maintenance, loan, sale, lease, or transfer of assistive technology devices and for the provision of assistive technology services including but not limited to assistive technology assessments and training.
For the purposes of this section, "assistive device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities. The term "assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Assistive technology service includes:
(1) The evaluation of the needs of a child with a disability, including a functional evaluation of the child in the child's customary environment;
(2) Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices by children with disabilities;
(3) Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing of assistive technology devices;
(4) Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
(5) Training or technical assistance for a child with a disability or if appropriate, the child's family; and
(6) Training or technical assistance for professionals, including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services, employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of children with disabilities.
[ 2019 c 266 s 14; 2018 c 58 s 32; 2009 c 381 s 24; 2007 c 115 s 15; 1997 c 104 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Findings—Intent—2009 c 381: See note following RCW 72.40.015.

catchline: Assistive devices and services—Interagency cooperative agreements—Definitions.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 28A.155.170

text:
(1) Each school district that operates a high school shall establish a policy and procedures that permit any student who is receiving special education or related services under an individualized education program pursuant to state and federal law to participate in the graduation ceremony and activities after four years of high school attendance with his or her age-appropriate peers and receive a certificate of attendance.
(2) Participation in a graduation ceremony and receipt of a certificate of attendance under this section does not preclude a student from continuing to receive special education and related services under an individualized education program beyond the graduation ceremony.
(3) A student's participation in a graduation ceremony and receipt of a certificate of attendance under this section shall not be construed as the student's receipt of a high school diploma pursuant to RCW 28A.230.120.
[ 2025 c 256 s 5; 2019 c 252 s 106; 2007 c 318 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 256: See note following RCW 28A.155.020.
Intent—2019 c 252: See note following RCW 28A.230.710.
Findings—2007 c 318: "The legislature finds:
(1) There are students with disabilities throughout the state of Washington who have attended four years of high school, but whose individualized education programs prescribe the continuation of special education and related services beyond the fourth year of high school;
(2) Through their participation in the public schools and the community, students with disabilities have frequently become identified with and connected to a class of typically developing, age-appropriate peers who will graduate in four years and participate in a high school graduation ceremony;
(3) A high school graduation ceremony is an important rite of passage for students regardless of their abilities or limitations; and
(4) There is significant value in recognizing students' attendance and accomplishments in their individualized education programs and in allowing students with disabilities to participate in high school graduation ceremonies and activities with their age-appropriate peers without the forfeiture of their continuing special education and related services." [ 2007 c 318 s 1.]
Short title—2007 c 318: "This act may be known and cited as Kevin's law." [ 2007 c 318 s 3.]
Effective date—2007 c 318: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 4, 2007]." [ 2007 c 318 s 4.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Graduation ceremony.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 28A.155.190

text:
(1) To the extent funds are appropriated for this purpose, by September 1, 2008, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the department of health, the department of social and health services, educational service districts, local school districts, the autism center at the University of Washington, and the autism society of Washington, shall distribute information on child find responsibilities under Part B and Part C of the federal individuals with disabilities education act, as amended, to agencies, districts, and schools that participate in the location, evaluation, and identification of children who may be eligible for early intervention services or special education services.
(2) To the extent funds are made available, by September 1, 2008, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the department of health and the department of social and health services, shall develop posters to be distributed to medical offices and clinics, grocery stores, and other public places with information on autism and how parents can gain access to the diagnosis and identification of autism and contact information for services and support. These must be made available on the internet for ease of distribution.
[ 2008 c 220 s 2.]

catchline: Information on autism.


title: RCW 28A.155.200

text:
Any compliance reporting requirements as a result of laws in this chapter that apply to second-class districts may be submitted in accordance with RCW 28A.330.250.
[ 2011 c 45 s 4.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2011 c 45: See note following RCW 28A.330.250.

catchline: Condensed compliance reports—Second-class districts.


title: RCW 28A.155.210

text:
A student's individualized education program must include procedures for notification of a parent or guardian regarding the use of restraint or isolation under RCW 28A.600.485. If a student is placed in an authorized entity under RCW 28A.155.060, the student's individualized education program must also specify any additional procedures required to ensure the authorized entity fully complies with RCW 28A.600.485.
[ 2023 c 436 s 7; 2013 c 202 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 436: See note following RCW 28A.300.690.
Findings—2013 c 202: See note following RCW 28A.600.485.

catchline: Use of restraint or isolation—Requirement for procedures to notify parent or guardian—Additional procedures for compliance.


title: RCW 28A.155.220

text:
(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must establish interagency agreements with the department of social and health services, the department of services for the blind, and any other state agency that provides high school transition services for special education students. Such interagency agreements shall not interfere with existing individualized education programs, nor override any individualized education program team's decision-making power. The purpose of the interagency agreements is to foster effective collaboration among the multiple agencies providing transition services for individualized education program-eligible special education students from the beginning of transition planning, as soon as educationally and developmentally appropriate, through the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 years of age, or through high school graduation, whichever occurs first. Interagency agreements are also intended to streamline services and programs, promote efficiencies, and establish a uniform focus on improved outcomes related to self-sufficiency.
(2)(a) When educationally and developmentally appropriate, the interagency responsibilities and linkages with transition services under subsection (1) of this section must be addressed in a transition plan to a postsecondary setting in the individualized education program of a student with disabilities.
(b) Transition planning shall be based upon educationally and developmentally appropriate transition assessments that outline the student's individual needs, strengths, preferences, and interests. Transition assessments may include observations, interviews, inventories, situational assessments, formal and informal assessments, as well as academic assessments.
(c) The transition services that the transition plan must address include activities needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals and courses of study to support postsecondary goals.
(d) Transition activities that the transition plan may address include instruction, related services, community experience, employment and other adult living objectives, daily living skills, and functional vocational evaluation.
(e) When educationally and developmentally appropriate, a discussion must take place with the student and parents, and others as needed, to determine the postsecondary goals or postschool vision for the student. This discussion may be included as part of an annual individualized education program review, high school and beyond plan meeting, or any other meeting that includes parents, students, and educators. The postsecondary goals included in the transition plan shall be goals that are measurable and must be based on appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living skills, when necessary. The goals must also be based on the student's needs, while considering the strengths, preferences, and interests of the student.
(f) As the student gets older, changes in the transition plan may be noted in the annual update of the student's individualized education program.
(g) A transition plan required under this subsection (2) must be aligned with a student's high school and beyond plan.
(3) To the extent that data is available through data-sharing agreements established by the education data center under RCW 43.41.400, the education data center must monitor the following outcomes for individualized education program-eligible special education students after high school graduation:
(a) The number of students who, within one year of high school graduation:
(i) Enter integrated employment paid at the greater of minimum wage or competitive wage for the type of employment, with access to related employment and health benefits; or
(ii) Enter a postsecondary education or training program focused on leading to integrated employment;
(b) The wages and number of hours worked per pay period;
(c) The impact of employment on any state and federal benefits for individuals with disabilities;
(d) Indicators of the types of settings in which students who previously received transition services primarily reside;
(e) Indicators of improved economic status and self-sufficiency;
(f) Data on those students for whom a postsecondary or integrated employment outcome does not occur within one year of high school graduation, including:
(i) Information on the reasons that the desired outcome has not occurred;
(ii) The number of months the student has not achieved the desired outcome; and
(iii) The efforts made to ensure the student achieves the desired outcome.
(4) To the extent that the data elements in subsection (3) of this section are available to the education data center through data-sharing agreements, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must prepare an annual report using existing resources and submit the report to the legislature.
(5) To minimize gaps in services through the transition process, no later than three years before students receiving special education services leave the school system, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall transmit a list of potentially eligible students to the department of social and health services, the counties, the department of services for the blind, and any other state agency working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall ensure that consent be obtained prior to the release of this information as required in accordance with state and federal requirements.
[ 2025 c 256 s 6; 2022 c 167 s 7; 2015 c 217 s 2; 2014 c 47 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 256: See note following RCW 28A.155.020.
Findings—Intent—2015 c 217: "The legislature finds that research continues to suggest that high expectations for students with disabilities is paramount to improving student outcomes. The legislature further finds that to increase the number of students with disabilities who are prepared for higher education, teachers and administrators in K-12 education should continue to improve their acceptance of students with disabilities as full-fledged learners for whom there are high expectations. The legislature also encourages continuous development in transition services to higher education opportunities for these students. The legislature recognizes that other states have authorized transition planning to postsecondary settings for students with disabilities as early as the age of fourteen. To remove barriers and obstacles for students with disabilities to access to postsecondary settings including higher education, the legislature intends to authorize transition planning for students with disabilities as soon as practicable when educationally and developmentally appropriate." [ 2015 c 217 s 1.]

catchline: High school transition services—Interagency agreements—Education data center to monitor certain outcomes—Annual report by superintendent of public instruction.


title: RCW 28A.155.225

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall annually review data from local education agencies, including the percentage of students receiving special education services, to ensure there is not a disproportionate identification of students, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction in accordance with federal requirements of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400.
(2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide technical assistance to school districts experiencing issues related to disproportionality and will make available professional development opportunities statewide to support local education agencies, schools, and community partners in promoting inclusionary teaching practices within a multitiered system of supports framework to help safeguard against over-identification and other issues related to disproportionality.
[ 2023 c 417 s 1.]

catchline: Review of data for disproportionate student identification—Technical assistance.


title: RCW 28A.155.240

text:
(1) On its web page related to special education, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must develop and publish a complaint process for individuals to report noncompliance with local, state, or federal laws or violation of students rights by authorized entities. The web page may include additional instructions for submitting complaints to the resident school district and for using the special education community complaint processes, when applicable.
(2) When an authorized entity notifies the office of the superintendent of public instruction about major program changes, the office shall review the changes with affected school districts to determine whether the entity remains authorized to provide contracted services.
(3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must monitor and investigate authorized entities and contracting school districts to ensure compliance with the requirements of RCW 28A.155.060 and 28A.300.690. In completing this duty, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must use information and data gathered during on-site visits, submitted through the complaint processes, and provided by authorized entities and school districts. The office of the superintendent of public instruction must use this process to identify and address patterns of misconduct, including issuing corrective action or revoking an entity's authorization under RCW 28A.300.690 to contract with school districts.
(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the authorization of an entity under RCW 28A.300.690 if the entity:
(a) Fails to maintain authorization standards under RCW 28A.300.690;
(b) Violates the rights of students placed in the authorized entity by a school district;
(c) Fails to adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws, including health, safety, and civil rights laws;
(d) Fails to comply with contract requirements under RCW 28A.155.060; or
(e) Refuses to implement any corrective actions ordered by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(5) As used in this section, "authorized entity" and "entity" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.300.690.
[ 2023 c 436 s 4.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 436: See note following RCW 28A.300.690.

catchline: Noncompliance—Complaint process—Major program changes—Corrective action.


title: RCW 28A.155.245

text:
(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall notify the state board of education if any private school authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.300.690 that is also approved by the state board of education under chapter 28A.195 RCW is investigated for noncompliance, is directed to complete corrective action, or fails to maintain authorization.
(2) The state board of education shall notify the office of the superintendent of public instruction of any unresolved concerns, deficiencies, or deviations related to a private school authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.300.690 that is also approved by the state board of education under chapter 28A.195 RCW.
[ 2023 c 436 s 5.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 436: See note following RCW 28A.300.690.

catchline: Notification of noncompliance.


title: RCW 28A.155.250

text:
(1) Beginning December 1, 2023, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall annually submit a report to the education committees of the legislature regarding placements of students with disabilities at authorized entities under RCW 28A.155.060. A summary of the report, including a link to the full report content, must also be posted on the office of the superintendent of public instruction's website. The report must include:
(a) The academic progress of students receiving special education services from authorized entities, using the results of the two most recent state assessments;
(b) The graduation rates of students who have received special education services from authorized entities;
(c) The rate at which students receiving special education services from authorized entities return to their resident school districts;
(d) Data on student restraint and isolation incidents, discipline, and attendance at authorized entities; and
(e) Any corrective action or change in an entity's authorization status, as ordered by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(2) The data published under subsection (1) of this section must be disaggregated by each authorized entity when it is possible to do so without disclosing, directly or indirectly, a student's personally identifiable information as protected under the federal family educational rights and privacy act (Title 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g).
(3) As used in this section, "authorized entity" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.300.690.
[ 2023 c 436 s 8.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 436: See note following RCW 28A.300.690.

catchline: Student data at authorized entities—Annual report.


title: RCW 28A.155.260

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the school district has the burden of proof, including the burden of persuasion and production, whenever it is a party to a due process hearing regarding the identification, evaluation, reevaluation, classification, educational placement, disciplinary action, or provision of a free appropriate public education for a student with a disability.
(2) A parent or person in parental relation seeking tuition reimbursement for a unilateral parental placement has the burden of proof, including the burden of persuasion and production, on the appropriateness of such placement.
(3) The burden of proof in this section must be met by a preponderance of the evidence.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "due process hearing" means a due process hearing held in accordance with the federal individuals with disabilities education act, Title 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.
[ 2024 c 29 s 1.]

catchline: Burden of proof.


title: RCW 28A.155.265

text:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in rules adopted by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, a school district must:
(a) Complete an initial evaluation or reevaluation to determine the eligibility or continuing eligibility of a student for special education services within 35 school days of receiving written consent for the evaluation from the student's parent or legal guardian;
(b) Provide the student's parent or legal guardian with a copy of the evaluation report no later than the 35th school day following receipt of consent under (a) of this subsection (1); and
(c) Convene an eligibility determination meeting to review the results in the evaluation report provided under (b) of this subsection (1) and discuss or determine the student's eligibility or continuing eligibility for special education services:
(i) No sooner than five school days after the evaluation report is provided to the student's parents or legal guardians as required by (b) of this subsection (1); and
(ii) No later than the 40th school day following receipt of consent under (a) of this subsection (1).
(2) The school district must provide the evaluation report required under subsection (1)(b) of this section in a written or electronic format that allows the parent or legal guardian to access, review, and retain the report. Providing the evaluation report solely through screen sharing or solely by review during a meeting does not satisfy this subsection.
(3) A parent or legal guardian may voluntarily waive, in writing, the requirement under subsection (1)(c)(i) of this section that the eligibility determination meeting occur no sooner than five school days after the evaluation report is provided. A waiver is valid only if it applies to the specific eligibility determination meeting for which it is given.
(4) If a school district cannot provide the evaluation report within the time frame required under subsection (1)(b) of this section, the school district must reschedule the eligibility determination meeting to comply with this section unless the parent or legal guardian has provided a written waiver under subsection (3) of this section.
(5) Failure to provide the evaluation report as required under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, absent a written waiver under subsection (3) of this section, constitutes a procedural violation. In any administrative review, complaint, or due process proceeding, such failure may be considered as evidence relevant to whether the parent's or legal guardian's opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the student was significantly impeded.
(6) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must update model forms and technical assistance guidance to reflect the requirements of this section.
(7) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW to implement this section. The rules must incorporate exceptions to evaluation and eligibility determination timelines established under the federal individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.
(8) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Evaluation report" means the set of completed written evaluation materials for the student that the school district intends to rely on in making or supporting an eligibility determination at the eligibility determination meeting.
(b) "School day" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.203.
[ 2026 c 34 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2026 c 34: "(1) The legislature finds that the federal individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq., requires an opportunity for the parents of a child with a disability to examine all records relating to the child and to participate in meetings regarding the identification, evaluation, eligibility, educational placement, and provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.
(2) The legislature further finds that parents' ability to participate meaningfully in eligibility determination meetings is hindered when written evaluation reports and conclusions are provided for the first time during or after the meeting.
(3) The legislature further finds that a single, combined timeline for completing evaluations and making eligibility determinations may limit a school district's practical ability to provide an evaluation report in advance of an eligibility determination meeting.
(4) Therefore, the legislature intends to establish a separate, clearly defined timeline for convening the meeting at which eligibility is discussed or determined that requires the evaluation report to be provided in advance and provides a brief, capped period for parents to review the report, consult as needed, and prepare questions and input. The legislature believes this will promote consistent statewide practice, support collaboration between families and school districts, and safeguard meaningful participation without altering special education evaluation completion timelines, eligibility standards, or services." [ 2026 c 34 s 1.]

catchline: Evaluation report—Eligibility determination meeting—Time frames—Waiver—Rule making.


title: RCW 28A.155.270

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall engage in statewide special education activities to support students receiving special education services.
(a) The statewide activities must include:
(i) Annually reviewing data from local education agencies, including the percentage of students receiving special education services, to ensure there is not a disproportionate identification of students, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction in accordance with federal requirements of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400;
(ii) Providing technical assistance to school districts with disproportionate data;
(iii) Requiring districts with disproportionate data to complete and submit to the office of the superintendent of public instruction a self-assessment that includes an audit of student evaluations and individualized education programs;
(iv) Implementing follow-up actions based on the results of the self-assessment required in (a)(iii) of this subsection if determined necessary; and
(v) Developing and maintaining a statewide online system for individualized education programs as directed under RCW 28A.155.275.
(b) The statewide activities may include:
(i) Providing professional development in inclusionary practices to local education agencies, schools, and community partners in promoting inclusionary teaching practices within a multitiered system of supports framework to help safeguard against over-identification and other issues related to disproportionality; and
(ii) Providing a funding match to local education agencies that opt to allocate federal funding for coordinated, early intervening services per 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.226.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall annually report to the education committees of the legislature, in accordance with RCW 43.01.036, by December 1st on the statewide activities funded under RCW 28A.150.390(3). The 2025 and 2026 annual reports must include an update on the impact of removing the cap on the special education enrollment percentage, including the impact on safety net needs.
[ 2025 c 368 s 2.]

catchline: Statewide activities—Annual report.


title: RCW 28A.155.275

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall develop and maintain a statewide online system for individualized education programs. In developing and implementing the online system, the superintendent of public instruction must collaborate with educational service districts or an information processing cooperative established under chapter 28A.310 RCW by agreement pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW. The superintendent may delegate implementation of the online system as authorized under RCW 28A.310.470.
(2) The purpose of the online system is to:
(a) Provide a uniform, centralized platform for creating and managing individualized education programs;
(b) Ensure compliance with federal and state special education requirements;
(c) Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of individualized education program development and oversight; and
(d) Improve educator collaboration and serve as an instructional tool designed to improve educational outcomes by aligning individualized supports and services with evidence-based instructional practices.
(3) The online system must:
(a) Have a statewide model that is made available at no cost to school districts, charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW, and state-tribal education compact schools subject to chapter 28A.715 RCW;
(b) Incorporate safeguards to protect confidential student information, including compliance with the federal family educational rights and privacy act and any other applicable privacy laws;
(c) Allow for secure, role-based access so that only authorized users may view or modify individualized education programs;
(d) Be able to integrate emerging technologies to continually enhance its functionality and effectiveness;
(e) Be able to integrate a student's transition plan as developed under RCW 28A.155.220 with the universal online high school and beyond plan platform as developed under RCW 28A.230.215, to the greatest extent possible, in order to relieve duplication between the two plans;
(f) Ensure that individualized education programs can show evidence of access to grade-level standards, reasonable progress, improved student outcomes, and students' strengths and needs;
(g) Include integrated language support and translation services;
(h) Allow for robust family engagement, including access to information about student progress that includes both qualitative and quantitative data and that provides information about how individualized education program goals connect to grade-level standards; and
(i) Comply with applicable state and federal accessibility standards.
(4) The superintendent of public instruction shall ensure statewide professional development opportunities are available to educators, administrators, and families to support the effective use and implementation of the statewide online system for individualized education programs, including targeted technical assistance.
[ 2026 c 147 s 1; 2025 c 368 s 3.]

catchline: Statewide online system for individualized education programs.


title: RCW 28A.155.800

text:
(1) The state auditor shall conduct a performance audit of the authorization, monitoring, and investigation of authorized entities and the school districts that contract with authorized entities under RCW 28A.155.060 to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities. As appropriate, the state auditor shall make recommendations for improving the system for overseeing authorized entities. The state auditor may conduct the performance audit at a sample of school districts and authorized nonpublic entities as needed.
(2) By November 30, 2026, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the state auditor shall report the performance audit's findings and recommendations to the governor and the education committees of the legislature.
(3) As used in this section, "authorized entity" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.300.690.
(4) This section expires August 1, 2027.
[ 2023 c 436 s 9.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 436: See note following RCW 28A.300.690.

catchline: Performance audit of authorized entities and school districts—Report. (Expires August 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 28A.160.010

text:
The operation of each local school district's student transportation program is declared to be the responsibility of the respective board of directors, and each board of directors shall determine such matters as which individual students shall be transported and what routes shall be most efficiently utilized except as provided in RCW 28A.160.240. State moneys allocated to local districts for student transportation shall be spent only for student transportation activities, but need not be spent by the local district in the same manner as calculated and allocated by the state.
A school district is authorized to provide for the transportation of students enrolled in the school or schools of the district both in the case of students who reside within the boundaries of the district and of students who reside outside the boundaries of the district.
When children are transported from one school district to another the board of directors of the respective districts may enter into a written contract providing for a division of the cost of such transportation between the districts.
School districts may use school buses and drivers hired by the district or commercial chartered bus service for the transportation of school children and the school employees necessary for their supervision to and from any school activities within or without the school district during or after school hours and whether or not a required school activity, so long as the school board has officially designated it as a school activity. For any extracurricular uses, the school board shall charge an amount sufficient to reimburse the district for its cost.
In addition to the right to contract for the use of buses provided in RCW 28A.160.080 and 28A.160.090, any school district may contract to furnish the use of school buses of that district to other users who are engaged in conducting an educational or recreational program supported wholly or in part by tax funds or programs for elderly persons at times when those buses are not needed by that district and under such terms as will fully reimburse such school district for all costs related or incident thereto: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no such use of school district buses shall be permitted except where other public or private transportation certificated or licensed by the Washington utilities and transportation commission is not reasonably available to the user: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no user shall be required to accept any charter bus for services which the user believes might place the health or safety of the children or elderly persons in jeopardy.
Whenever any persons are transported by the school district in its own motor vehicles and by its own employees, the board may provide insurance to protect the district against loss, whether by reason of theft, fire or property damage to the motor vehicle or by reason of liability of the district to persons from the operation of such motor vehicle.
The board may provide insurance by contract purchase for payment of hospital and medical expenses for the benefit of persons injured while they are on, getting on, or getting off any vehicles enumerated herein without respect to any fault or liability on the part of the school district or operator. This insurance may be provided without cost to the persons notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 28A.400.350.
If the transportation of children or elderly persons is arranged for by contract of the district with some person, the board may require such contractor to procure such insurance as the board deems advisable.
[ 2020 c 339 s 3; 1990 c 33 s 132; 1986 c 32 s 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 1; 1981 c 265 s 10; 1980 c 122 s 2; 1973 c 45 s 1; 1971 c 24 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 153 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.24.055. Prior: (i) 1969 c 53 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 29 s 1, part; 1967 c 12 s 1, part; 1965 ex.s. c 49 s 1, part; 1963 c 104 s 1, part; 1963 c 5 s 1, part; 1961 c 305 s 1, part; 1961 c 237 s 1, part; 1961 c 66 s 1, part; 1955 c 68 s 2, part; prior: 1943 c 52 s 1, part; 1941 c 179 s 1, part; 1939 c 131 s 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 57 s 1, part; 1919 c 90 s 3, part; 1915 c 44 s 1, part; 1909 c 97 p 285 s 2, part; 1907 c 240 s 5, part; 1903 c 104 s 17, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 4776, part. Formerly RCW 28.58.100, part. (ii) 1965 ex.s. c 86 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.055, 28.58.421.]
Notes:
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 9.]
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.
Elderly persons defined—Program limitation: RCW 28A.160.070.

catchline: Operation of student transportation program—Responsibility of local district—Scope—Transporting of elderly—Insurance.


title: RCW 28A.160.020

text:
Every school district board of directors may authorize children attending a private school approved in accordance with RCW 28A.195.010 to ride a school bus or other student transportation vehicle to and from school so long as the following conditions are met:
(1) The board of directors shall not be required to alter those bus routes or stops established for transporting public school students;
(2) Private school students shall be allowed to ride on a seat-available basis only; and
(3) The board of directors shall charge an amount sufficient to reimburse the district for the actual per seat cost of providing such transportation.
[ 1990 c 33 s 133; 1981 c 307 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.065.]
Notes:
Severability—1981 c 307: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1981 c 307 s 2.]

catchline: Authorization for private school students to ride buses—Conditions.


title: RCW 28A.160.030

text:
Individual transportation, board and room, and other arrangements may be authorized or provided and, in whole or part, paid for or reimbursed by a school district, when approved by the educational service district superintendent or his or her designee pursuant to rules promulgated by the superintendent of public instruction for that purpose: PROVIDED, That the total of payments for board and room and transportation incidental thereto shall not exceed the amount which would otherwise be paid for such individual transportation.
[ 1981 c 265 s 11; 1977 c 80 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 66 s 10; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.24.100. Prior: 1965 ex.s. c 154 s 9. Formerly RCW 28A.24.100, 28.24.100.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.
Severability—1977 c 80: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 c 80 s 5.]
Severability—Effective date—1971 ex.s. c 66: See notes following RCW 28A.155.010.

catchline: Authorizing individual transportation or other arrangements.


title: RCW 28A.160.040

text:
The directors of school districts are authorized to lease school buses to nonprofit organizations to transport children with disabilities and elderly persons to and from the site of activities or programs deemed beneficial to such persons by such organizations: PROVIDED, That commercial bus transportation is not reasonably available for such purposes.
[ 1995 c 77 s 16; 1973 c 45 s 2; 1971 c 78 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.110.]
Notes:
Elderly persons defined—Program limitation: RCW 28A.160.070.

catchline: Lease of buses to transport children with disabilities and elderly—Limitation.


title: RCW 28A.160.050

text:
The directors of school districts may authorize leases under RCW 28A.160.040 through 28A.160.060: PROVIDED, That such leases do not conflict with regular school purposes.
[ 1990 c 33 s 134; 1971 c 78 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.24.111.]

catchline: Lease of buses to transport children with disabilities and elderly—Directors to authorize.


title: RCW 28A.160.060

text:
The lease of the equipment shall be handled by the school directors at a local level. The school directors may establish criteria for bus use and lease, including, but not limited to, minimum costs, and driver requirements.
[ 1971 c 78 s 3. Formerly RCW 28A.24.112.]

catchline: Lease of buses to transport children with disabilities and elderly—Lease at local level—Criteria.


title: RCW 28A.160.070

text:
For purposes of RCW 28A.160.010 and 28A.160.040, "elderly person" shall mean a person who is at least sixty years of age. No school district funds may be used for the operation of such a program.
[ 1990 c 33 s 135; 1973 c 45 s 3. Formerly RCW 28A.24.120.]

catchline: Lease of buses to transport children with disabilities and elderly—Elderly persons defined—Program limitation.


title: RCW 28A.160.080

text:
It is the intent of the legislature and the purpose of RCW 28A.160.010, 28A.160.080, and 28A.160.090 that in the event of major forest fires, floods, or other natural emergencies that boards of directors of school districts, in their discretion, may rent or lease school buses to governmental agencies for the purposes of transporting personnel, supplies and/or evacuees.
[ 1990 c 33 s 136; 1971 c 24 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.170.]

catchline: School buses, rental or lease for emergency purposes—Authorization.


title: RCW 28A.160.090

text:
Each school district board shall determine its own policy as to whether or not its school buses will be rented or leased for the purposes of RCW 28A.160.080, and if the board decision is to rent or lease, under what conditions, subject to the following:
(1) Such renting or leasing may take place only after the director of commerce or any of his or her agents so authorized has, at the request of an involved governmental agency, declared that an emergency exists in a designated area insofar as the need for additional transport is concerned.
(2) The agency renting or leasing the school buses must agree, in writing, to reimburse the school district for all costs and expenses related to their use and also must provide an indemnity agreement protecting the district against any type of claim or legal action whatsoever, including all legal costs incident thereto.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2005; 1995 c 399 s 20; 1990 c 33 s 137; 1986 c 266 s 21; 1985 c 7 s 88; 1974 ex.s. c 171 s 1; 1971 c 24 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.24.172.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

catchline: School buses, rental or lease for emergency purposes—Board to determine district policy—Conditions if rent or lease.


title: RCW 28A.160.100

text:
In addition to the authority otherwise provided in RCW 28A.160.010 through 28A.160.120 to school districts for the transportation of persons, whether school children, school personnel, or otherwise, any school district authorized to use school buses and drivers hired by the district for the transportation of school children to and from a school activity, along with such school employees as necessary for their supervision, shall, if such school activity be an interscholastic activity, be authorized to transport members of the general public to such event and utilize the school district's buses, transportation equipment and facilities, and employees therefor: PROVIDED, That provision shall be made for the reimbursement and payment to the school district by such members of the general public of not less than the district's actual costs and the reasonable value of the use of the district's buses and facilities provided in connection with such transportation: PROVIDED FURTHER, That wherever private transportation certified or licensed by the utilities and transportation commission or public transportation is reasonably available, this section shall not apply.
[ 2006 c 263 s 907; 1990 c 33 s 138; 1980 c 91 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.175.]
Notes:
Findings—Purpose—Part headings not law—2006 c 263: See notes following RCW 28A.150.230.

catchline: School buses, transport of general public to interscholastic activities—Limitations.


title: RCW 28A.160.110

text:
Every school district board of directors may authorize any parent, guardian or custodian of a student enrolled in the district to ride a school bus or other student transportation vehicle at the request of school officials or employees designated by the board: PROVIDED, That excess seating space is available on the vehicle after the transportation needs of students have been met: PROVIDED FURTHER, That private or other public transportation of the parent, guardian or custodian is not reasonable in the board's judgment.
[ 1980 c 122 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.178.]

catchline: School buses, authorization for parent, guardian or custodian of a student to ride—Limitations.


title: RCW 28A.160.115

text:
On highways divided into separate roadways as provided in RCW 46.61.150 and highways with three or more marked traffic lanes, public school district bus routes and private school bus routes shall serve each side of the highway so that students do not have to cross the highway, unless there is a traffic control signal as defined in RCW 46.04.600 or an adult crossing guard within three hundred feet of the bus stop to assist students while crossing such multiple-lane highways.
[ 1990 c 241 s 11.]

catchline: Bus routes.


title: RCW 28A.160.117

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall encourage efficient use of state resources by providing a linear programming process that compares school district transportation operations. If a school district's operation is calculated to be less than ninety percent efficient, the regional transportation coordinators shall provide an individual review to determine what measures are available to the school district to improve efficiency. The evaluation shall include such measures as:
(a) Efficient routing of buses;
(b) Efficient use of vehicle capacity; and
(c) Reasonable controls on compensation costs.
(2) The superintendent shall submit to the fiscal and education committees of the legislature no later than December 1st of each year a report summarizing the efficiency reviews and the resulting changes implemented by school districts in response to the recommendations of the regional transportation coordinators.
[ 2009 c 548 s 310.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.


title: RCW 28A.160.120

text:
Any school district board of directors or any intermediate school district board may enter into agreements pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW or chapter 35.58 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, with any city, town, county, metropolitan municipal corporation, and any federal or other state governmental entity, or any combination of the foregoing, for the purpose of providing for the transportation of students and/or members of the public through the use, in whole or part, of the school district's buses, transportation equipment and facilities, and employees: PROVIDED, That any agreement entered into for purposes of transportation pursuant to this section shall conform with the provisions of RCW 35.58.250 where applicable and shall provide for the reimbursement and payment to the school district of not less than the district's actual costs and the reasonable value of the use of the district's buses, and transportation equipment and supplies which are incurred and otherwise provided in connection with the transportation of members of the public or other noncommon school purposes: PROVIDED FURTHER, That wherever public transportation, or private transportation certified or licensed by the Washington utilities and transportation commission is not reasonably available, the school district or intermediate school district may transport members of the public so long as they are reimbursed for the cost of such transportation, and such transportation has been approved by any metropolitan municipal corporation performing public transportation pursuant to chapter 35.58 RCW in the area to be served by the district.
[ 1974 ex.s. c 93 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.24.180.]

catchline: Agreements with other governmental entities for transportation of public or other noncommon school purposes—Limitations.


title: RCW 28A.160.130

text:
(1) There is created a fund on deposit with each county treasurer for each school district of the county, which shall be known as the transportation vehicle fund. Money to be deposited into the transportation vehicle fund shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) The balance of accounts held in the general fund of each school district for the purchase of approved transportation equipment and for major transportation equipment repairs under RCW 28A.150.280. The amount transferred shall be the balance of the account as of September 1, 1982;
(b) Reimbursement payments provided for in RCW 28A.160.200 except those provided under RCW 28A.160.200(3) that are necessary for contracted payments to private carriers;
(c) Earnings from transportation vehicle fund investments as authorized in RCW 28A.320.300; and
(d) The district's share of the proceeds from the sale of transportation vehicles, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction.
(2) Funds in the transportation vehicle fund may be used for the following purposes:
(a) Purchase of pupil transportation vehicles pursuant to RCW 28A.160.200 and 28A.150.280;
(b) Payment of conditional sales contracts as authorized in RCW 28A.335.200 or payment of obligations authorized in RCW 28A.530.080, entered into or issued for the purpose of pupil transportation vehicles;
(c) Major repairs to pupil transportation vehicles;
(d) To complete a feasibility plan to transition from gas or diesel pupil transportation vehicles to electric or zero emission pupil transportation vehicles;
(e) Purchase, installation, and repair of electric pupil transportation vehicle charging stations and other zero emission pupil transportation vehicle fueling stations and for other costs necessary for station installation; and
(f) Converting or repowering existing gas or diesel pupil transportation vehicles to electric or zero emission pupil transportation vehicles.
(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules which shall establish the standards, conditions, and procedures governing the establishment and use of the transportation vehicle fund. The rules shall not permit the transfer of funds from the transportation vehicle fund to any other fund of the district except as authorized under RCW 28A.160.200(4).
[ 2026 c 71 s 2; 2022 c 200 s 1; 2009 c 564 s 919; 1991 c 114 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 139; 1981 c 265 s 7. Formerly RCW 28A.58.428.]
Notes:
PDF
RCW 28A.160.130
Transportation vehicle fund—Deposits in—Use—Petition to transfer moneys—Rules for establishment and use (as amended by 2026 c 182).
(1) There is created a fund on deposit with each county treasurer for each school district of the county, which shall be known as the transportation vehicle fund. Money to be deposited into the transportation vehicle fund shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) The balance of accounts held in the general fund of each school district for the purchase of approved transportation equipment and for major transportation equipment repairs under RCW 28A.150.280. The amount transferred shall be the balance of the account as of September 1, 1982;
(b) Reimbursement payments provided for in RCW 28A.160.200 except those provided under RCW 28A.160.200(3) that are necessary for contracted payments to private carriers;
(c) Earnings from transportation vehicle fund investments as authorized in RCW 28A.320.300; and
(d) The district's share of the proceeds from the sale of transportation vehicles, as determined by the superintendent of public instruction.
(2) Funds in the transportation vehicle fund may be used for the following purposes:
(a) Purchase of pupil transportation vehicles pursuant to RCW 28A.160.200 and 28A.150.280;
(b) Payment of conditional sales contracts as authorized in RCW 28A.335.200 or payment of obligations authorized in RCW 28A.530.080, entered into or issued for the purpose of pupil transportation vehicles;
(c) Major repairs to pupil transportation vehicles;
(d) To complete a feasibility plan to transition from gas or diesel pupil transportation vehicles to electric or zero emission pupil transportation vehicles;
(e) Purchase, installation, and repair of electric pupil transportation vehicle charging stations and other zero emission pupil transportation vehicle fueling stations and for other costs necessary for station installation; and
(f) Converting or repowering existing gas or diesel pupil transportation vehicles to electric or zero emission pupil transportation vehicles.
(3) A school district that is under enhanced financial oversight pursuant to RCW 28A.315.221 may petition the superintendent of public instruction to transfer money from its transportation vehicle fund to another school fund. If a school district has taken a temporary interfund loan from its transportation vehicle fund under RCW 28A.320.340, the petition may include a request to convert the temporary interfund loan to a permanent transfer of funds with no requirement for repayment. The office of the superintendent of public instruction may only approve the petition if the transfer is not detrimental to any function or project for which the transportation vehicle fund was established.
(4) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules which shall establish the standards, conditions, and procedures governing the establishment and use of the transportation vehicle fund. The rules shall not permit the transfer of funds or temporary interfund loans from the transportation vehicle fund to any other fund of the district except as authorized under this section and RCW 28A.320.340.
[ 2026 c 182 s 2; 2022 c 200 s 1; 2009 c 564 s 919; 1991 c 114 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 139; 1981 c 265 s 7. Formerly RCW 28A.58.428.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: RCW 28A.160.130 was amended twice during the 2026 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.
Effective date—2009 c 564: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.

catchline: Transportation vehicle fund—Deposits in—Use—Rules for establishment and use (as amended by 2026 c 71).


title: RCW 28A.160.140

text:
(1) As a condition of entering into a pupil transportation services contract with a private nongovernmental entity, each school district shall engage in an open competitive process at least once every five years. This requirement shall not be construed to prohibit a district from entering into a pupil transportation services contract of less than five years in duration with a district option to renew, extend, or terminate the contract, if the district engages in an open competitive process at least once every five years after July 26, 1987. If a school district enters into a pupil transportation services contract with a private nongovernmental entity that uses zero emission school buses to transport students for the school district, the contract period may be up to seven years in duration.
(2)(a) A school district may only enter into, renew, or extend a pupil transportation services contract with a private nongovernmental entity if that entity provides the following to, or on behalf of, its employees who choose to opt in for coverage:
(i) An employer health benefits contribution equal to the employer payment dollar amount in effect for the first year of the contract for health care benefit rates (cockle rates), published annually by the health care authority, for the school employees' benefits board program for school employees; and
(ii) An amount equivalent to the salaries of the employees of the private nongovernmental entity multiplied by the employer normal cost contribution rate determined under the entry age cost method for the school employees' retirement system, as published in the most recent actuarial valuation report from the office of the state actuary for the first year of the contract.
(b) All pupil transportation service contracts entered into or modified after June 6, 2024, must include a detailed explanation of any contract cost increase by year, expenditure type, and amount, including any increases in cost that result from providing the benefits required under this section.
(c) For contracts entered into, renewed, or extended in the 2024 calendar year, the benefits required under this section must be provided to employees by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
(3) Once the total cost of ownership of zero emission school buses is at or below the total cost of ownership of diesel school buses, as determined under the formulas adopted by rule pursuant to RCW 28A.160.260, a school district may only enter into, renew, or extend a pupil transportation services contract with a nongovernmental entity that uses zero emission school buses to transport students for the school district. The office of the superintendent of public instruction must provide an exception to this requirement, upon request from the school district, if the school district meets the criteria in RCW 28A.160.260(3)(a) (ii) through (iv). The requirements of this subsection do not prohibit the use of externally vented fuel-operated passenger heaters from November 15th through March 15th annually until other viable alternatives become available.
(4) As used in this section:
(a) "Employees" means in-state employees of the private nongovernmental entity working sufficient compensated hours performing services pursuant to the contract with the school district to meet the eligibility requirements for the school employees' benefits board program if the employees were directly employed by a school district;
(b) "Open competitive process" means either one of the following, at the choice of the school district:
(i) The solicitation of bids or quotations and the award of contracts under RCW 28A.335.190; or
(ii) The competitive solicitation of proposals and their evaluation consistent with the process and criteria recommended or required, as the case may be, by the office of financial management for state agency acquisition of personal service contractors;
(c) "Pupil transportation services contract" means a contract for the operation of privately owned or school district owned school buses, and the services of drivers or operators, management and supervisory personnel, and their support personnel such as secretaries, dispatchers, and mechanics, or any combination thereof, to provide students with transportation to and from school on a regular basis;
(d) "School bus" means a motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.521 and under the rules of the superintendent of public instruction; and
(e) "Zero emission school bus" means a school bus that produces zero exhaust emission of any air pollutant and any greenhouse gas other than water vapor.
[ 2024 c 345 s 5; 2024 c 313 s 2; 1990 c 33 s 140; 1987 c 141 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.58.133.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2024 c 313 s 2 and by 2024 c 345 s 5, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Findings—Intent—2024 c 345: See note following RCW 70A.15.4200.
Intent—2024 c 313: "The legislature recognizes that school bus drivers play a crucial role in ensuring students' safe passage to and from school, preventing absences, and extending a positive school climate beyond the classroom. By delivering this essential service, school bus drivers provide a significant time and convenience benefit to thousands of Washington families, remove cars from the road, reduce overall emissions, and increase traffic safety. However, a recent national survey revealed that 94 percent of bus contractors experience driver shortages, with 21 percent reporting their shortages as severe. With this act, the state of Washington intends to encourage the retention of bus drivers who provide vital services to local communities." [ 2024 c 313 s 1.]
Severability—1987 c 141: See note following RCW 28A.335.170.

catchline: Contract for pupil transportation services with private nongovernmental entity—Competitive bid procedures—Requirement for health care and pension benefits.


title: RCW 28A.160.150

text:
Funds allocated for transportation costs, except for funds provided for transportation and transportation services to and from school shall be in addition to the basic education allocation. The distribution formula developed in RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180 shall be for allocation purposes only and shall not be construed as mandating specific levels of pupil transportation services by local districts nor the type of vehicle to be used for pupil transportation, except as provided in RCW 28A.160.195. School districts are encouraged to use a vehicle type deemed by a district to be a safe and cost-effective manner of transporting its students, including using school buses and other vehicles, and may use the student transportation allocation accordingly. Operating costs as determined under RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180 shall be funded at 100 percent or as close thereto as reasonably possible for transportation of an eligible student to and from school as defined in RCW 28A.160.160(3). In addition, funding shall be provided for transportation services for students living within the walk area as determined under RCW 28A.160.160(5).
[ 2025 c 372 s 1; 2009 c 548 s 304; 1996 c 279 s 1; 1990 c 33 s 141; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 2; 1981 c 265 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.41.505.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: "Sections 304 through 311 of this act take effect September 1, 2011." [ 2010 c 236 s 16; 2009 c 548 s 805.]
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Application—1996 c 279: "This act shall be effective for school transportation programs in the 1996-97 school year and thereafter." [ 1996 c 279 s 4.]
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—1981 c 265: "With the exception of sections 8 and 13 of this amendatory act, the effective date of this amendatory act is September 1, 1982. The superintendent of public instruction and the office thereof prior to the effective date of this amendatory act may take such actions as necessary for the orderly implementation thereof and during such period may carry out such data collection activities and district notification provisions as provided for herein." [ 1981 c 265 s 16.]
Severability—1981 c 265: "If any provision of this amendatory act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1981 c 265 s 17.]

catchline: Student transportation allocation—Operating costs, determination and funding.


title: RCW 28A.160.160

text:
For purposes of RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.190, except where the context shall clearly indicate otherwise, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Eligible student" means any student served by the transportation program of a school district or compensated for individual transportation arrangements authorized by RCW 28A.160.030 whose route stop is outside the walk area for a student's school, except if the student to be transported is disabled under RCW 28A.155.020 and is either not ambulatory or not capable of protecting his or her own welfare while traveling to or from the school or agency where special education services are provided, in which case no mileage distance restriction applies.
(2) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of public instruction.
(3) "To and from school" means the transportation of students for the following purposes:
(a) Transportation to and from route stops and schools;
(b) Transportation to and from schools pursuant to an interdistrict agreement pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160;
(c) Transportation of students between schools and learning centers for instruction specifically required by statute; and
(d) Transportation of students with disabilities to and from schools and agencies for special education services.
Academic extended day transportation for the instructional program of basic education under RCW 28A.150.220 shall be considered part of transportation of students "to and from school" for the purposes of this section. Transportation for field trips may not be considered part of transportation of students "to and from school" under this section.
(4) "Transportation services" for students living within the walk area includes the coordination of walk-to-school programs, the funding of crossing guards, and matching funds for local and state transportation projects intended to mitigate hazardous walking conditions. Priority for transportation services shall be given to students in grades kindergarten through five.
(5) As used in this section, "walk area" means that area around a school with an adequate roadway configuration to provide students access to school with a walking distance of less than one mile. Mileage must be measured along the shortest roadway or maintained public walkway where hazardous conditions do not exist. The hazardous conditions must be documented by a process established in rule by the superintendent of public instruction and must include roadway, environmental, and social conditions. Each elementary school shall identify walk routes within the walk area.
[ 2009 c 548 s 305; 1996 c 279 s 2; 1995 c 77 s 17; 1990 c 33 s 142; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 3; 1981 c 265 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.41.510.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Application—1996 c 279: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.


title: RCW 28A.160.170

text:
Each district shall submit three times each year to the superintendent of public instruction during October, February, and May of each year a report containing the following:
(1)(a) The number of eligible students transported to and from school as provided for in RCW 28A.160.150, along with identification of stop locations and school locations, and (b) the number of miles driven for pupil transportation services as authorized in RCW 28A.160.150 the previous school year; and
(2) Other operational data and descriptions as required by the superintendent to determine allocation requirements for each district. The superintendent shall require that districts separate the costs of operating the program for the transportation of eligible students to and from school as defined by RCW 28A.160.160(3), non-to-and-from-school pupil transportation costs, and costs to provide expanded services under RCW 28A.160.185(1) in the annual financial statement. The cost, quantity, and type of all fuel purchased by school districts for use in to-and-from-school transportation shall be included in the annual financial statement.
Each district shall submit the information required in this section on a timely basis as a condition of the continuing receipt of school transportation moneys.
[ 2021 c 234 s 3; 2009 c 548 s 306; 2007 c 139 s 1; 1990 c 33 s 143; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 4; 1981 c 265 s 3. Formerly RCW 28A.41.515.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2021 c 234: See notes following RCW 28A.160.185.
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Effective date—2007 c 139 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect September 1, 2007." [ 2007 c 139 s 3.]
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.
PDF
RCW 28A.160.170
Student transportation allocation—District's reports to superintendent. (Effective September 1, 2026.)
Each district shall submit three times each year to the superintendent of public instruction during October, February, and May of each year a report containing the following:
(1)(a) The number of eligible students transported to and from school as provided for in RCW 28A.160.150, along with identification of stop locations and school locations, and (b) the number of miles driven per vehicle type for pupil transportation services as authorized in RCW 28A.160.150 the previous school year; and
(2) Other operational data and descriptions as required by the superintendent to determine allocation requirements for each district. The superintendent shall require that districts separate the costs of operating the program for the transportation of eligible students to and from school as defined by RCW 28A.160.160(3), non-to-and-from-school pupil transportation costs, and costs to provide expanded services under RCW 28A.160.185(1) in the annual financial statement. The cost, quantity, and type of all fuel purchased by school districts for use in to-and-from-school transportation shall be included in the annual financial statement.
Each district shall submit the information required in this section on a timely basis as a condition of the continuing receipt of school transportation moneys.
[ 2025 c 372 s 2; 2021 c 234 s 3; 2009 c 548 s 306; 2007 c 139 s 1; 1990 c 33 s 143; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 4; 1981 c 265 s 3. Formerly RCW 28A.41.515.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 372 ss 2-4: "Sections 2 through 4 of this act take effect September 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 372 s 8.]
Intent—Effective date—2021 c 234: See notes following RCW 28A.160.185.
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Effective date—2007 c 139 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect September 1, 2007." [ 2007 c 139 s 3.]
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.

catchline: Student transportation allocation—District's reports to superintendent. (Effective until September 1, 2026.)


title: RCW 28A.160.180

text:
Each district's annual student transportation allocation shall be determined by the superintendent of public instruction in the following manner:
(1) The superintendent shall annually calculate the transportation allocation for those services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150. The allocation formula may be adjusted to include such additional differential factors as basic and special passenger counts as defined by the superintendent of public instruction, average distance to school, and number of locations served.
(2) The allocation shall be based on a regression analysis of the number of basic and special students transported and as many other site characteristics that are identified as being statistically significant.
(3) The transportation allocation for transporting students in district-owned passenger cars, as defined in RCW 46.04.382, pursuant to RCW 28A.160.010 for services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150 if a school district deems it advisable to use such vehicles after the school district board of directors has considered the safety of the students being transported as well as the economy of utilizing a district-owned passenger car in lieu of a school bus is the private vehicle reimbursement rate in effect on September 1st of each school year. Students transported in district-owned passenger cars must be included in the corresponding basic or special passenger counts.
(4) Prior to June 1st of each year the superintendent shall submit to the office of financial management, and the education and fiscal committees of the legislature, a report outlining the methodology and rationale used in determining the statistical coefficients for each site characteristic used to determine the allocation for the following year.
[ 2009 c 548 s 307; 1996 c 279 s 3; 1995 c 77 s 18; 1990 c 33 s 144; 1985 c 59 s 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 5; 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 2; 1981 c 265 s 4. Formerly RCW 28A.41.520.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Application—1996 c 279: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—1982 1st ex.s. c 24: "Sections 2 and 3 of this amendatory act shall take effect September 1, 1982." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 6.]
Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 24: "If any provision of this amendatory act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 7.]
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.
PDF
RCW 28A.160.180
Student transportation allocation determination—Report. (Effective September 1, 2026.)
Each district's annual student transportation allocation shall be determined by the superintendent of public instruction in the following manner:
(1) The superintendent shall annually calculate the transportation allocation for those services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150, inclusive of all vehicle types used. The allocation formula may be adjusted to include such additional differential factors as basic and special passenger counts as defined by the superintendent of public instruction, average distance to school, and number of locations served.
(2) The allocation shall be based on a regression analysis of the number of basic and special students transported and as many other site characteristics that are identified as being statistically significant.
(3) The transportation allocation for transporting students in district-owned passenger cars, as defined in RCW 46.04.382, pursuant to RCW 28A.160.010 for services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150 if a school district deems it advisable to use such vehicles after the school district board of directors has considered the safety of the students being transported as well as the economy of utilizing a district-owned passenger car in lieu of a school bus must be included in the overall determination of the district's annual student transportation allocation. Students transported in district-owned passenger cars must be included in the corresponding basic or special passenger counts, average distance to school, and number of locations served.
(4) Prior to June 1st of each year the superintendent shall submit to the office of financial management, and the education and fiscal committees of the legislature, a report outlining the methodology and rationale used in determining the statistical coefficients for each site characteristic used to determine the allocation for the following year.
[ 2025 c 372 s 3; 2009 c 548 s 307; 1996 c 279 s 3; 1995 c 77 s 18; 1990 c 33 s 144; 1985 c 59 s 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 5; 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 2; 1981 c 265 s 4. Formerly RCW 28A.41.520.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 372 ss 2-4: See note following RCW 28A.160.170.
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Application—1996 c 279: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—1982 1st ex.s. c 24: "Sections 2 and 3 of this amendatory act shall take effect September 1, 1982." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 6.]
Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 24: "If any provision of this amendatory act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 7.]
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.

catchline: Student transportation allocation determination—Report. (Effective until September 1, 2026.)


title: RCW 28A.160.185

text:
(1) If a school or school district is providing full remote or partial remote instruction under the authority of RCW 28A.150.290 due to a local, state, or national emergency that causes a substantial disruption to full in-person instruction then, in addition to the transportation services allowed under this chapter, the district may use student transportation allocations to provide the following expanded services to students, regardless of whether those students would qualify as eligible students under RCW 28A.160.160:
(a) Delivery of educational services necessary to provide students with the opportunity to equitably access educational services during the period of remote instruction. Delivery of educational services include the transportation of materials, hardware, and other supports that assist students in accessing remote instruction, internet connectivity, or the curriculum;
(b) Delivery of meals to students; and
(c) Providing for the transportation of students to and from learning centers or other public or private agencies where educational and support services are being provided to students during the period of remote instruction. "Providing for" includes the provision of payments to allow students to use public transit to access the educational and support services.
(2) Nothing in this section is intended to limit a district's ability to use transportation allocations to pay for fixed transportation costs, such as school bus maintenance and basic administrative, regulatory, safety, or operational expenses.
(3) If a district provides expanded services under subsection (1) of this section, the district must track by a separate accounting code the expenditures incurred by the district in providing such services. This data must be included in the report required under RCW 28A.160.170(2).
[ 2021 c 234 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—2021 c 234: "The legislature recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the delivery of education across the state, as school districts transition to remote learning environments to protect the health of students and staff. The legislature also recognizes that the role of transportation services has evolved alongside remote learning programs to help students equitably access the instructional program of basic education. As permitted by emergency proclamation, many school districts have adapted to remote learning by transporting meals, learning materials, and technology supports directly to students' homes or neighborhoods. Other school districts have used transportation resources to bring students to learning centers or other agencies where support services are provided.
This flexibility has allowed school districts to creatively use the resources at their disposal to equitably address the needs of students during an ongoing emergency.
With this act, the legislature intends to preserve this principle of flexibility for qualifying transportation services during a future local, state, or national emergency." [ 2021 c 234 s 1.]
Effective date—2021 c 234: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 10, 2021]." [ 2021 c 234 s 6.]

catchline: Student transportation allocation—Additional allowed uses under an emergency—Accounting.


title: RCW 28A.160.190

text:
The superintendent shall notify districts of their student transportation allocation before January 15th. The superintendent shall recalculate and prorate the district's allocation for the transportation of pupils to and from school.
The superintendent shall make the student transportation allocation in accordance with the apportionment payment schedule in RCW 28A.510.250. Such allocation payments may be based on the prior school year's ridership report for payments to be made in September, October, November, December, and January.
[ 2009 c 548 s 308; 1990 c 33 s 145; 1985 c 59 s 2; 1983 1st ex.s. c 61 s 6; 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 3; 1981 c 265 s 5. Formerly RCW 28A.41.525.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 61: See note following RCW 28A.160.010.
Effective date—Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 24: See notes following RCW 28A.160.180.
Effective date—Severability—1981 c 265: See notes following RCW 28A.160.150.

catchline: Student transportation allocation—Notice—Payment schedule.


title: RCW 28A.160.191

text:
The superintendent of public instruction shall ensure that the allocation formula results in adequate appropriation for low enrollment districts, nonhigh districts, districts involved in cooperative transportation agreements, and cooperative special transportation services operated by educational service districts. If necessary, the superintendent shall develop a separate process to adjust the allocation of the districts.
[ 2009 c 548 s 309.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.

catchline: Student transportation allocation—Adequacy for certain districts—Adjustment.


title: RCW 28A.160.192

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall phase-in the implementation of the distribution formula under this chapter for allocating state funds to school districts for the transportation of students to and from school. The phase-in shall begin no later than the 2011-2013 biennium and be fully implemented by the 2013-2015 biennium.
(a) The formula must be developed and revised on an ongoing basis using the major cost factors in student transportation, including basic and special student loads, school district land area, average distance to school, roadway miles, and number of locations served. Factors must include all those site characteristics that are statistically significant after analysis of the data required by the revised reporting process.
(b) The formula must allocate funds to school districts based on the average predicted costs of transporting students to and from school, using a regression analysis. Only factors that are statistically significant shall be used in the regression analysis. Employee compensation costs included in the allowable transportation expenditures used for the purpose of establishing each school district's independent variable in the regression analysis shall be limited to the base salary or hourly wage rates, fringe benefit rates, and applicable health care rates provided in the omnibus appropriations act.
(2) During the phase-in period, funding provided to school districts for student transportation operations shall be distributed on the following basis:
(a) Annually, each school district shall receive the lesser of the previous school year's pupil transportation operations allocation, or the total of allowable pupil transportation expenditures identified on the previous school year's final expenditure report to the state plus district indirect expenses using the federal restricted indirect rate as calculated in the district annual financial report;
(b) Annually, the amount identified in (a) of this subsection shall be adjusted for any budgeted increases provided in the omnibus appropriations act for salaries or fringe benefits;
(c) Annually, any funds appropriated by the legislature in excess of the maintenance level funding amount for student transportation shall be distributed among school districts on a prorated basis using the difference between the amount identified in (a) adjusted by (b) of this subsection and the amount determined under the formula in RCW 28A.160.180; and
(d) Allocations provided to recognize the cost of depreciation to districts contracting with private carriers for student transportation shall be deducted from the allowable transportation expenditures in (a) of this subsection.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 27 s 3; 2010 c 236 s 8; 2009 c 548 s 311.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 27 ss 1-3: See note following RCW 28A.150.220.
Effective date—2010 c 236 ss 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 13, and 14: See note following RCW 28A.150.260.
Effective date—2009 c 548 ss 304-311: See note following RCW 28A.160.150.
Intent—2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent—Finding—2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.

catchline: Student transportation allocation—Distribution formula.


title: RCW 28A.160.193

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, a transportation alternate funding grant program is created.
(2) As part of the award process for the grants, the superintendent of public instruction must include a review of the school district's efficiency rating, key performance indicators, and local school district characteristics such as unique geographic constraints, low enrollment, geographic density of students, the percentage of students served under the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act from outside the district, or whether the district is a nonhigh district.
[ 2018 c 266 s 103.]

catchline: Transportation alternate funding grant program.


title: RCW 28A.160.195

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts, shall establish a minimum number of school bus categories considering the capacity and type of vehicles required by school districts in Washington. The superintendent, in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts, shall establish competitive specifications for each category of school bus. The categories shall be developed to produce minimum long-range operating costs, including costs of equipment and all costs in operating the vehicles. The competitive specifications shall meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, minimum state specifications as established by rule by the superintendent, and supported options as determined by the superintendent in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts. The superintendent may solicit and accept price quotes for a rear-engine category school bus that shall be reimbursed at the price of the corresponding front engine category.
(2) After establishing school bus categories and competitive specifications, the superintendent of public instruction shall solicit competitive price quotes for base buses from school bus dealers to be in effect for one year and shall establish a list of all accepted price quotes in each category obtained under this subsection. The superintendent shall also solicit price quotes for optional features and equipment.
(3)(a) The superintendent shall base the level of reimbursement to school districts and educational service districts for school buses on the lowest quote for the base bus in each category. School districts and educational service districts shall be reimbursed for buses purchased only through a lowest-price competitive bid process conducted under RCW 28A.335.190 or through the state bid process established by this section.
(b) Once the total cost of ownership of zero emission school buses is at or below the total cost of ownership of diesel school buses, as determined under the formulas adopted by rule pursuant to RCW 28A.160.260, school districts may only receive reimbursement for the purchase of zero emission school buses, unless the district has been granted an exception under RCW 28A.160.260(3). For the purposes of this subsection, "zero emission school bus" means a school bus that produces zero exhaust emission of any air pollutant and any greenhouse gas other than water vapor.
(4) Notwithstanding RCW 28A.335.190, school districts and educational service districts may purchase at the quoted price directly from any dealer who is on the list established under subsection (2) of this section. School districts and educational service districts may make their own selections for school buses, but shall be reimbursed at the rates determined under subsection (3) of this section and RCW 28A.160.200. District-selected options shall not be reimbursed by the state.
(5) This section does not prohibit school districts or educational service districts from conducting their own competitive bid process.
(6) The superintendent of public instruction may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW to implement this section.
[ 2024 c 345 s 4; 2005 c 492 s 1; 2004 c 276 s 904; 1995 1st sp.s. c 10 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 345: See note following RCW 70A.15.4200.
Severability—Effective date—2004 c 276: See notes following RCW 43.330.167.
Effective dates—1995 1st sp.s. c 10 ss 1 and 2: "(1) Section 1 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [June 14, 1995].
(2) Section 2 of this act shall take effect September 1, 1995." [ 1995 1st sp.s. c 10 s 5.]
PDF
RCW 28A.160.195
Vehicle acquisition—Student transportation vehicle categories—Competitive specifications—Purchase—Reimbursement—Rules. (Effective September 1, 2026.)
(1) The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts, shall establish a minimum number of student transportation vehicle categories considering the capacity and type of vehicles required by school districts in Washington. The superintendent, in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts, shall establish competitive specifications for each category of vehicle. The categories shall be developed to produce minimum long-range operating costs, including costs of equipment and all costs in operating the vehicles. The competitive specifications shall meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, minimum state specifications as established by rule by the superintendent, and supported options as determined by the superintendent in consultation with the regional transportation coordinators of the educational service districts. The superintendent may solicit and accept price quotes for a rear-engine category school bus that shall be reimbursed at the price of the corresponding front engine category.
(2) After establishing vehicle categories and competitive specifications, the superintendent of public instruction shall solicit competitive price quotes for base vehicles from dealers to be in effect for one year and shall establish a list of all accepted price quotes in each category obtained under this subsection. The superintendent shall also solicit price quotes for optional features and equipment.
(3)(a) The superintendent shall base the level of reimbursement to school districts and educational service districts for vehicles on the lowest quote for the base vehicle in each category. School districts and educational service districts shall be reimbursed for vehicles purchased only through a lowest-price competitive bid process conducted under RCW 28A.335.190 or through the state bid process established by this section.
(b) Once the total cost of ownership of zero emission school buses is at or below the total cost of ownership of diesel school buses, as determined under the formulas adopted by rule pursuant to RCW 28A.160.260, school districts may only receive reimbursement for the purchase of zero emission school buses, unless the district has been granted an exception under RCW 28A.160.260(3). For the purposes of this subsection, "zero emission school bus" means a school bus that produces zero exhaust emission of any air pollutant and any greenhouse gas other than water vapor. This subsection (3)(b) applies to other vehicles used in lieu of school buses.
(4) Notwithstanding RCW 28A.335.190, school districts and educational service districts may purchase at the quoted price directly from any dealer who is on the list established under subsection (2) of this section. School districts and educational service districts may make their own selections for vehicles, but shall be reimbursed at the rates determined under subsection (3) of this section and RCW 28A.160.200. District-selected options shall not be reimbursed by the state.
(5) This section does not prohibit school districts or educational service districts from conducting their own competitive bid process.
(6) As used in this section, "student transportation vehicle" and "vehicle" mean a school bus or other vehicle used in lieu of a school bus.
(7) The superintendent of public instruction may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW to implement this section.
[ 2025 c 372 s 4; 2024 c 345 s 4; 2005 c 492 s 1; 2004 c 276 s 904; 1995 1st sp.s. c 10 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 372 ss 2-4: See note following RCW 28A.160.170.
Findings—Intent—2024 c 345: See note following RCW 70A.15.4200.
Severability—Effective date—2004 c 276: See notes following RCW 43.330.167.
Effective dates—1995 1st sp.s. c 10 ss 1 and 2: "(1) Section 1 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [June 14, 1995].
(2) Section 2 of this act shall take effect September 1, 1995." [ 1995 1st sp.s. c 10 s 5.]

catchline: Vehicle acquisition—School bus categories—Competitive specifications—Purchase—Reimbursement—Rules. (Effective until September 1, 2026.)