House Bill 1113 would require the Professional Educator Standards Board to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators that did not involve a student
The Washington State House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously passed legislation from Rep. Paul Harris that would give educators with a reprimand an opportunity for redemption.
House Bill 1113, which the House also unanimously passed during the 2023 legislative session, would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators that did not involve a student. Currently, there is no process in place to vacate a reprimand on an educator’s certificate.
“I’m happy to see this bill get a second chance after stalling in the Senate last year,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “Some teachers with reprimands are outstanding educators and they will likely never repeat the offending unprofessional conduct. I believe in redemption and educators with minor infractions should be given an opportunity to clear their record.”
HB 1113 would not require the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to notify eligible people, but it would direct the OSPI to report to the Legislature the number of people with a certificate or permit who have submitted a petition to have a reprimand vacated under the PESB rules.
The OSPI would also be required to report the number of people who had a reprimand vacated under the PESB rules.
“It is important to show mercy to those who have taken the required corrective action,” said Harris. “We all make mistakes – and I’m all for accountability – but we need to make sure the penalty doesn’t outweigh the offense.”
The bill will now go to the Senate again for further consideration.
The 2024 legislative session began on Jan. 8 and is scheduled to run for 60 days.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans
houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Opinion: In search of joy at Vancouver Mall during Christmas time
Paul Valencia reflects on his annual Christmas-time visit to Vancouver Mall, finding nostalgia, people-watching, and moments of joy amid last-minute holiday shopping. - VIDEO: WA and OR lawmakers irked as update on I-5 Bridge costs still missing
Washington and Oregon lawmakers expressed frustration after planners failed to provide updated cost estimates for the I-5 Bridge replacement during a recent legislative oversight meeting. - Opinion: Atmospheric River events mean even less clearance for vessels crossing under the proposed Interstate Bridge Plan
Neighbors for a Better Crossing argues that high river levels from atmospheric river events further reduce vessel clearance under the proposed Interstate Bridge design, creating long-term navigation risks on the Columbia River. - Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival opens applications for 2026 performers, artists, and more
Organizers of the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival have opened applications for 2026 performers, artists, and vendors ahead of the three-day event returning to downtown Vancouver in August. - Opinion: Why I won’t mourn the end of enhanced ACA subsidies
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that allowing enhanced ACA subsidies to expire forces a necessary conversation about rising health care costs rather than continued cost shifting to taxpayers. - Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement goes into effect Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, anglers 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement to fish for those species in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries. - City of Washougal launches Strategic Plan Dashboard and shares year-end update
The city of Washougal has launched a new Strategic Plan Dashboard and released a year-end update outlining progress, economic indicators, and key accomplishments tied to its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.
