KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Washington

HR4711 • 2026

IDEA 50th anniversary

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Santos, Representative Zahn, Representative Stearns, Representative Ryu, Representative Parshley, Representative Duerr, Representative Taylor, Representative Salahuddin, Representative Leavitt, Representative Callan, Representative Couture, Representative Kloba, Representative Ybarra, Representative Nance, Representative Richards, Representative Keaton, Representative Goodman, Representative Barnard, Representative Hall, Representative Paul, Representative Hill, Representative Engell, Representative Thai, Representative Thomas, Representative Stuebe
Last action
2026-03-02
Official status
H Adopted
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

IDEA 50th anniversary

IDEA 50th anniversary

What This Bill Does

  • IDEA 50th anniversary

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-02 House

    Adopted.

Official Summary Text

IDEA 50th anniversary

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
WHEREAS, On November 29, 1975, the United States enacted the 1
Education for All Handicapped Children act, marking a historic 2
commitment to children with disabilities and ensuring their right to 3
a free, appropriate public education; and 4
WHEREAS, This civil rights measure established and enshrined 5
fundamental principles which continue to shape the way children with 6
disabilities and their families interact with the public education 7
systems in the United States; and 8
WHEREAS, In the 1990s, the law was renamed the Individuals with 9
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and broadened to serve more 10
students with disabilities, to strengthen access to general education 11
curriculum, and to increase parent and family rights to mediation in 12
a grievance; and 13
WHEREAS, Since its inception, IDEA has provided millions of 14
students nationwide, including more than 140,000 students across 15
Washington state, with greater inclusion and educational 16
opportunities each year; and 17
WHEREAS, Washington continues to advance the spirit and 18
requirements of IDEA through the work of families, educators, 19
related-service providers, school districts, tribes, state agencies, 20
and disability rights advocates who strive every day to support the 21
growth, dignity, and potential of each student; and22
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4711 , by Representatives Santos, Zahn, Stearns,
Ryu, Parshley, Duerr, Taylor, Salahuddin, Leavitt, Callan, Couture, Kloba, Ybarra,
Nance, Richards, Keaton, Goodman, Barnard, Hall, Paul, Hill, Engell, Thai, Thomas,
and Stuebe
p. 1 HR 4711
WHEREAS, The 50th anniversary of IDEA provides an important 1
opportunity to recognize the profound impact of this landmark civil 2
rights law, to honor the individuals and communities who uphold its 3
promise, and to reaffirm the importance of providing an inclusive, 4
accessible, and high-quality education for all learners; and5
WHEREAS, Washington state remains dedicated to strengthening 6
equitable educational practices, expanding access to services, and 7
ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to learn, 8
participate, and thrive in our schools and communities without 9
discrimination based on one's disability; 10
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of 11
Representatives celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals 12
with Disabilities Education Act and encourages all Washingtonians to 13
join in celebrating the contributions of individuals with 14
disabilities. 15
--- END ---
p. 2 HR 4711