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BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5961

SB 5961: Early literacy programs

Transferring early literacy programs from the department of children, youth, and families to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Summary

  • Transfers the Imagination Library of Washington Program from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
  • Directs OSPI, subject to appropriations, to contract with a nonprofit entity experienced in the provision of promoting early literacy for children through pediatric office visits.

From the Substitute Senate Bill Report (SSB 5961), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
  1. IntroducedJan 12, 2026
  2. Out of committeeFeb 9, 2026
  3. Passed SenateFeb 16, 2026
  4. Passed Housestopped here
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Claire Wilson (D-30)
Introduced
January 12, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
March 12, 2026
Requested by
Other
Companion bill
HB 2371
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5961, SSB 5961

AN ACT Relating to transferring early literacy programs from the department of children, youth, and families to the office of the superintendent of public instruction;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Claire Wilson (D-30)

5 co-sponsors (5 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Manka Dhingra D-45Noel Frame D-36T'wina Nobles D-28Sharon Shewmake D-42Lisa Wellman D-41

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed February 16, 2026
Version voted on: SSB 5961
32 Yea 17 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat30000
Republican21700
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

History

  1. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (SSB 5961)
  2. First reading, referred to Education. (SSB 5961)
  3. Third reading, passed; yeas, 32; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 0. (SSB 5961)
  4. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (SSB 5961)
  5. 1st substitute bill substituted. (SSB 5961)
  6. 1st substitute bill substituted.
  7. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (SSB 5961)
  8. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  9. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 5961)
  10. WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Early Learning & K-12 Education. (SSB 5961)
  11. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5961)
  12. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (SSB 5961)
  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  14. Minority; do not pass.
  15. WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Early Learning & K-12 Education.
  16. Minority; without recommendation.
  17. Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5961)
  18. Referred to Ways & Means.
  19. EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5961)
  20. And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5961)
  21. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5961)
  22. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 5961)
  23. Minority; without recommendation.
  24. Minority; do not pass.
  25. And refer to Ways & Means.
  26. EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  27. First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
  28. Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5961 in other sessions

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

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