Tag Archives: Schools

Going back on their word

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The state Senate is starting to take up legislation for a full vote. Today, Senate Democrats are bringing a bill that all parents should be concerned about.

Senate Bill 5181 undoes too many important protections created by Initiative 2081, known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights. I voted FOR the initiative to the Legislature to empower parents.

The proposal also contains an emergency clause, which would eliminate the constitutional right of voters to challenge the bill through a referendum. It would remove parents’ right to know medical information, including:

  • Prior notification when medical services are offered (except in emergencies).
  • Notification when medical services or medication could impact health insurance.
  • Notification when school-arranged medical treatment results in follow-up care.

Eliminating parental notification about medical services, even non-emergency ones, is a serious overreach. Parents have a right to be informed about any medical interactions their children have at school, especially those that could violate their religious beliefs, cause permanent harm to their child, have financial implications or require follow-up care.

I think this is a step in the wrong direction for families. The state does not belong in the middle of the parent-child relationship.

You can read the full text of the bill by clicking here. 

Watch the debate on TVW

Rights Altered

When Senate Democrats vote to pass SB 5181, it will move to the House of Representatives for consideration. You can contact the Speaker of the House and the chair of the House Education Committee to speak out against the proposal and continuing effort to position the state in between parents and their children.

Speaker of the House

Chair of the House Education Committee

Torres Introduces Two Key Bills to Enhance School Safety

Senator Nikki Torres has introduced two critical pieces of legislation to bolster the safety and security of K-12 schools across Washington State. These measures reflect the Senator’s commitment to providing students, educators, and parents with safer learning environments through innovative and practical solutions.

The first bill, Senate Bill 5003, establishes the School Security and Preparedness Infrastructure Grant Program. This program, administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, will offer competitive grants to public school districts for projects that enhance the physical security of school facilities. Eligible initiatives include upgrades such as improved entrance and door security, perimeter fencing, infrastructure to support rapid law enforcement response, and other safety-related construction projects. Each district may receive up to $2 million per biennium, with awards prioritizing schools demonstrating the greatest security needs.

“Every child deserves to feel safe at school,” said Torres, R-Pasco. “This grant program ensures that our schools have access to the resources they need to proactively address security vulnerabilities and protect our students.”

The second bill, Senate Bill 5004, enhances Emergency Response Systems in Public Schools, emphasizing the use of modern technology to expedite law enforcement responses during emergencies. The legislation mandates collaboration between school districts and local law enforcement to develop systems incorporating panic buttons, live video and audio feeds, remote-controlled door access, and interactive two-way communication capabilities.

Schools are required to report their progress on these systems to the Superintendent’s Office by October 1, 2025, with a comprehensive report to the legislature by December 1, 2025.

“Emergencies demand swift and coordinated action,” Torres emphasized. “By integrating cutting-edge technology into our emergency response systems, we can significantly reduce response times and ensure that help arrives when it’s needed most.”