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:
- Public Health investigating confirmed measles case in Clark County
Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed measles case after a contagious individual was present at Ridgefield High School on Jan. 14, 15 and 16. - VIDEO: Bill dubbed the ‘initiative killer’ clears WA Senate committee
A bill critics label the “initiative killer” cleared a Washington Senate committee on a party-line vote after all Republican amendments were rejected. - Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher cost
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project. - Journey Theater seeks performers, crew for this summer’s Into the Woods
Journey Theater is seeking performers ages 8 and older, along with crew and production committee members, for its summer production of Into the Woods. - CCSO honors heroism and outstanding service at annual awards ceremony
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office recognized deputies, civilian employees, and community members for heroism and exceptional service during its annual awards ceremony at Clark College. - Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to modernize beer warehousing laws receives a public hearing
House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, received a public hearing as lawmakers considered updates to Washington’s beer warehousing laws. - Michelle Belkot announces bid for re-election to Clark County Council, District 2
Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot announced she is seeking re-election in District 2 in the November 2026 General Election.
