HB 2594 · McKinney-Vento / Unhoused Youth Education

Strengthens Washington's protections for unhoused students, guaranteeing immediate enrollment, barrier-free school access, and district liaisons to support continuity of education.

Homeless and housing-insecure students face significant barriers to consistent school enrollment — including requirements for proof of residency, school records, and immunization documentation that families in crisis often cannot readily provide. Housing instability disrupts educational continuity, and educational disruption is a primary pathway into the juvenile justice system. Washington’s previous McKinney-Vento implementation varied significantly by district, leaving many students without the protections they were legally entitled to.

Signed into law March 24, 2026 (Chapter 201, 2026 Laws), HB 2594 requires immediate enrollment of homeless students even without immunization records, proof of residency, or transcripts. Homeless students may continue attending their school of origin or enroll in any school at their current location based on best-interest determinations that prioritize student preferences and educational continuity. Each district must designate a liaison responsible for identifying homeless students, resolving enrollment disputes, facilitating transportation, and coordinating with social services. Schools are explicitly prohibited from segregating homeless students into separate programs based on housing status. OSPI must establish a coordinator position, provide technical assistance, and submit biennial progress reports. The bill passed 94–1 in the House and 48–0 in the Senate.

• The unanimous passage reflects broad consensus that housing-insecure students deserve uninterrupted access to education — implementation is now the critical challenge.
• Educational disruption from housing instability is one of the most consistent predictors of juvenile justice involvement. This law directly addresses that risk factor.
• The district liaison requirement is only as effective as the person filling the role. Advocates should ask their districts who serves as the McKinney-Vento liaison and what capacity they have.
• The prohibition on separate programs for homeless students is an important anti-segregation provision — watch for districts that may try to route unhoused students into alternative settings.
• Coalition members can support implementation by connecting school liaisons with community resources and supporting families in asserting their rights under this law.