Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a law on May 16, 2025, to extend special education services for public school students with disabilities until they turn 22. This legislation follows a federal court ruling in 2024 that found the state in violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which governs special education services. Under the previous law, students were only eligible for services until age 21. The new law, effective July 27, 2025, aligns state requirements with federal mandates and aims to ensure compliance after a class action lawsuit highlighted gaps in service. It is projected that between 300 and 1,200 students will benefit from this extension, with costs estimated at $6.

8 million to $27 million per school year. Superintendent Chris Reykdal, who requested the bill, stated that the law is crucial for promoting equity and opportunity in education. The legislation also provides access to specialized programs, including the State School for the Blind and the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. Senator Adrian Cortes, a special education teacher and the bill's sponsor, noted that while the affected population is small, it is significant and will now receive necessary support.