HR 4711

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4711, by Representatives Santos, Zahn, Stearns,
Ryu, Parshley, Duerr, Taylor, Salahuddin, Leavitt, Callan, Couture, Kloba, Ybarra,
Nance, Richards, Keaton, Goodman, Barnard, Hall, Paul, Hill, Engell, Thai, Thomas,
and Stuebe
1     WHEREAS, On November 29, 1975, the United States enacted the
2 Education for All Handicapped Children act, marking a historic
3 commitment to children with disabilities and ensuring their right to
4 a free, appropriate public education; and
5     WHEREAS, This civil rights measure established and enshrined
6 fundamental principles which continue to shape the way children with
7 disabilities and their families interact with the public education
8 systems in the United States; and
9     WHEREAS, In the 1990s, the law was renamed the Individuals with
10 Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and broadened to serve more
11 students with disabilities, to strengthen access to general education
12 curriculum, and to increase parent and family rights to mediation in
13 a grievance; and
14     WHEREAS, Since its inception, IDEA has provided millions of
15 students nationwide, including more than 140,000 students across
16 Washington   state,    with    greater   inclusion  and    educational
17 opportunities each year; and
18     WHEREAS,   Washington   continues  to   advance the   spirit   and
19 requirements of IDEA through the work of families, educators,
20 related-service providers, school districts, tribes, state agencies,
21 and disability rights advocates who strive every day to support the
22 growth, dignity, and potential of each student; and
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1     WHEREAS, The 50th anniversary of IDEA provides an important
2 opportunity to recognize the profound impact of this landmark civil
3 rights law, to honor the individuals and communities who uphold its
4 promise, and to reaffirm the importance of providing an inclusive,
5 accessible, and high-quality education for all learners; and
6     WHEREAS, Washington state remains dedicated to strengthening
7 equitable educational practices, expanding access to services, and
8 ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to learn,
9 participate, and thrive in our schools and communities without
10 discrimination based on one's disability;
11     NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
12 Representatives celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals
13 with Disabilities Education Act and encourages all Washingtonians to
14 join   in   celebrating   the  contributions   of   individuals  with
15 disabilities.
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17I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
18Resolution 4711 adopted by the House of Representatives
19March 2, 2026
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24__________________________
25Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk
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