BILL · 2019–20 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5908

SB 5908: Equity training/schools

Providing training for equity and cultural competency in the public school system.

Summary

Requires the development of a list of available equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and cultural competency training for school board directors.
Requires that school board directors, and subject to funding, school district and school staff, be provided with ongoing EDI and cultural competency training that meets certain requirements, beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
Directs school districts to focus first on these topics when there is new state funding for professional learning days, beginning with the 2021-22 school year.

From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Analysis 2020 (ESSB 5908), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to equity and cultural competency in the public school system;

Passed February 12, 2020

Version voted on: ESSB 5908

29 Yea 17 Nay 0 Absent 3 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	29	0	0	0
Republican	0	17	0	3

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2020Returned to Senate Rules 3. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 14, 2020First reading, referred to Education. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 12, 2020Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 3. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 12, 2020Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 12, 2020Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 12, 20201st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 12, 20201st substitute bill substituted.
Feb 11, 2020Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 11, 2020Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 10, 2020WM - Majority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 10, 2020Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 10, 2020Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 10, 2020WM - Majority; without recommendation.
Feb 7, 2020On motion, referred to Ways & Means. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 7, 2020Minority; do not pass. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 7, 2020EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5908)
Feb 7, 2020EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 7, 2020Minority; do not pass.
Feb 7, 2020On motion, referred to Ways & Means.
Jan 13, 2020By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 14, 2019First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5908 (2025–26) WDFW public participation · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5908 (2023–24) Extended foster care · Enacted · Chapter 192, Laws of 2024
SB 5908 (2021–22) Clean car authority · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5908 (2017–18) RTA MVET statements · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5908 (2015–16) Student restraint, isolation · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5908 (2013–14) Property tax refunds · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5908 (2011–12) Public employee pensions · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5908 (2009–10) Juvenile court employees · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House