HB 1795/SB 5654 Addressing restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs. These bills extend demonstration projects that were established with the goal of eliminating student isolation and reducing student restraint. Isolation or restraint of a student would be permitted only when necessary to control behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of serious harm. Although sometimes necessary, restraint and isolation pose a risk of trauma to the student as well as physical harm to school staff and the student. There are other effective strategies that can be used to manage behavior. The bills provide for staff training in de-escalation techniques and behavior management strategies. They also require prompt notification of parents if restraint or isolation was utilized during a behavior outburst.

The bill was originally submitted during the 2025 legislative session. It passed in the House Education Committee and was heard in the House Appropriations Committee, but was not voted on. It is being reconsidered this session.

HB 2225/SB 5984 Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots. These bills seek to reduce the risk that AI companions pose for youth. AI companions may blur the distinction between human and artificial interaction, potentially leading to emotional dependency, exposure to material, or reinforcement of harmful ideation, including self-harm or suicide. The bills require, when AI companions are used by minors, that there be clear and ongoing disclosure that AI companions are artificial systems, not human.

HB 1634 Providing school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students. The bill would establish a technical assistance and training network to provide school districts and public schools with the technical assistance, resources, and training necessary to coordinate comprehensive supports for their students.

The bill was originally submitted during the 2025 legislative session. It passed in the House Education Committee, was referred to the House Appropriations Committee, but was never heard there. It is being reconsidered this session.

How To Be Involved

• Leagues in Washington have action chairs who coordinate action teams. Some local Leagues have health care teams to take action locally. Contact your local League action chair to find out and join.
  
  
•  If you are interested in a particular bill, use the links above to go to the webpage for that bill. These pages include staff summaries and reports including who testified PRO, CON, or OTHER on the bill, if there has been a public hearing. There is also information about how to access videos of hearings that have been held. 
  
  
• Read and take action through the LWVWA Legislative Action Newsletter, distributed each Sunday during the legislative session.
  
  
•  You may also express your opinion on legislation with the LWVWA issue chairs. We will take your perspectives into consideration as we determine our support for legislation and prepare testimony. Send them to Mary Lynne Courtney, Behavioral Health Issue Chair.
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