The implementation of ESHB 1744 introduced two critical responsibilities for the Charter School Commission: (1) establishing and maintaining an online system for students and parents of charter public schools to submit complaints and conducting inquiries, as necessary, and (2) providing technical assistance to charter schools and their boards upon request. Current program implementation has highlighted the significant need to maintain existing funding to continue delivering technical assistance effectively. Additionally, to enhance agency capacity and reduce reliance on external contractors, we propose bringing the necessary expertise in house rather than requesting additional funding for contracted support. (WA Opportunity Pathways Account - State)

Funding is provided for wage increases for state employees who are not represented by a union or are not under a bargaining agreement that is subject to financial feasibility determination. It is sufficient for a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2025, and a general wage increase of 2%, effective July 1, 2026. This item includes both general government and higher education workers. (Educator Certification Processing A - Non-Appropriated, General Fund - Federal, General Fund - State, other funds)

This item adjusts the employer funding rate for public employee insurance benefits to reflect policy-level decision packages. It increases the rate by $8 per month in the first fiscal year and decreases the rate by $34 per month in the second fiscal year, compared to the maintenance-level update, for a total rate of $1,315 in the first year and $1,355 in the second year. (Dedicated Cannabis Account - State, K-12 Criminal Background Check Acct - Non-Appropriated, Workforce Education Investment Acc - State, other funds)

An adjustment is made for pension contribution rates, including to fund a benefit increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month for eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members. (Educator Certification Processing A - Non-Appropriated, General Fund - Federal, General Fund - State, other funds)

An adjustment is made to the base pension rates, as set out in a proposed bill addressing the calculation of the base rate for the 2025–27 biennium, as well as amortization of Plan 1 benefit increases. (Dedicated Cannabis Account - State, K-12 Criminal Background Check Acct - Non-Appropriated, Workforce Education Investment Acc - State, other funds)

Adjustments are made for each agency's anticipated cost of legal services provided by the Attorney General's Office. Because legal services expenditures are based on consumption, funding provided in the central service model is not all inclusive. The methodology to estimate consumption is a two-year average and allows for analysis to incorporate unique agency circumstances. (Charter Schools Oversight Account - State, General Fund - State)