SSB 5961 Bill Timeline

Legal Title	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;
Bill Description	Transferring early literacy programs from the department of children, youth, and families to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Date Introduced	01/21/2026
Originating Chamber	Senate
Biennium	2025-26
Total Campaign Dollars Backing Bill	$6,588,322.50

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, OFFICE OF (OSPI)

Follow this bill

Hearing	Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education (Public)
Hearing	Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education (Executive)
Hearing	Senate Ways & Means (Public)
Hearing	Senate Ways & Means (Executive)

Go to SSB 5961 at leg.wa.gov

Building Momentum

02/17/2026

First reading, referred to Education.

02/16/2026

Third reading, passed; yeas, 32; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 0.

02/16/2026

Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

02/16/2026

1st substitute bill substituted.

02/12/2026

Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

02/09/2026

Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

02/09/2026

WM - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Early Learning & K-12 Education.

01/22/2026

Referred to Ways & Means.

01/21/2026

Minority; without recommendation.

01/21/2026

Minority; do not pass.

01/21/2026

And refer to Ways & Means.

01/21/2026

EDU - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

01/12/2026

First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

01/05/2026

Prefiled for introduction.