Washington 2017-2018 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate

SB 5731 — Requiring acceptance of additional high school equivalency tests.

Last action — By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1 added · 1 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of SB 5731 includes new provisions to ensure that adults seeking a high school equivalency certificate have access to tests that are affordable, flexible, and appropriate for their needs. Changes specify that there must be at least two test options available, including one that does not require computer skills. This is important because it aims to make it easier for adults—especially those who have been incarcerated or served in the military—to earn their diplomas and improve their employment opportunities. Additionally, the name of the act has been changed to the "GED Fairness Act," emphasizing its focus on equitable access to education.

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S-1223.1SENATE BILL 5731State of Washington65th Legislature2017 Regular SessionBy Senators Chase and FrocktRead first time 02/06/17.
ENGROSSED SENATE BILL 5731State of Washington65th Legislature2017 Regular SessionBy Senators Chase and FrocktRead first time 02/06/17.
creating new sections;
and creating new sections.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that there are many reasons that adults who did not receive a high school diploma on the traditional timeline now seek to earn one, including to gain better employment and to continue their education.
and declaring an emergency.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that there are many reasons that adults who did not receive a high school diploma on the traditional timeline now seek to earn one, including to gain better employment and to continue their education.
If a test vendor fails to provide such a norming study, that vendor shall not be permitted to test students in Washington.NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  This act may be known and cited as the GED fairness act.NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.--- END ---
If a test vendor fails to provide such a norming study, that vendor shall not be permitted to test students in Washington.NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  This act may be known and cited as the GED fairness act.--- END ---
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Action History

  1. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

  2. First reading, referred to Higher Education (Not Officially read and referred until adoption of Introduction report).

  3. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

  4. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  5. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  6. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  7. Moved to Rules White Sheet.

  8. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  9. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  10. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  11. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  12. Senate Rules "X" file.

  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  14. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

  16. HIE - Majority; do pass.

  17. First reading, referred to Higher Education.

Sponsors

  • Chase · Primary
  • Frockt · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 149 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Chase

Co-sponsors (1)

  • Frockt

Not signed on (149)

149 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 149 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

3rd Reading & Final Passage (#21)

Passed 48 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 30001
Democrat 9000
Republican 9000
Total 48001
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Angel — Yea
Baumgartner — Not Voting
Becker — Yea
Hawkins — Yea
Hobbs — Yea
Nelson — Yea
Palumbo — Yea
Rivers — Yea
Rolfes — Yea
Sheldon — Yea
Brown — Yea
Bailey — Yea
Billig — Yea
Carlyle — Yea
Darneille — Yea
Ericksen — Yea
Fain — Yea
Frockt — Yea
Honeyford — Yea
Keiser — Yea
Kuderer — Yea
McCoy — Yea
Miloscia — Yea
Mullet — Yea
O'Ban — Yea
Padden — Yea
Ranker — Yea
Takko — Yea
Wilson — Yea
Zeiger — Yea
Van De Wege — Yea
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
Victoria Hunt Democrat Yea
Curtis King Republican Yea
Jim Walsh Republican Yea
John Braun Republican Yea
Judy Warnick Republican Yea
Keith Wagoner Republican Yea
Mark Schoesler Republican Yea
Phil Fortunato Republican Yea
Rob Chase Republican Yea
Shelly Short Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 5731?
SB 5731 is sponsored by Chase and Frockt.
What is the current status of SB 5731?
This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 5731?
Track SB 5731 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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