Legislative Updates and Actions
Legislative Request
The Legislature created the Outdoor Learning Grant Program during the 2021–23 biennium and provided $10 million in fiscal year 2023. The Legislature increased their investment to $20 million in the 2024 fiscal year and $20 million in the 2025 fiscal year. We assume this program will continue to be funded at $20 million per year through the next two biennia.
In order to meet increasing demands for outdoor education and to take steps toward fully funding outdoor education for all, our request is for support of the OSPI Decision Package Request which asks for an additional $10 million in fiscal year 2026 and an additional $10.9 million in 2027 for a total additional amount of $20.9 million in the 2025-27 biennium.
House Bill 1734
We have an official bill in the works. HB1734: Concerning outdoor learning grants to expand and improve the delivery of outdoor learning opportunities.
You can sign up for email notifications if you would like to keep track of progress. We will be reaching out soon, largely to sites, for stories on how these funds might help sites around Washington state.
Email Notifications: SIGN-UP
HB 1734 TEXT: READ FULL TEXT
HB 1724 BILL SUMMARY: LEGISLATIVE LANDING PAGE
Actions You Can Take
Write: Hand written letters and custom emails to your legislators - FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR TOOL
Testify: Offering personal testimony is a highly effective way to demonstrate your passion. When the time comes, sign up - GO HERE
Story/Photos: Share your overnight outdoor school story or photo with OSWA and we will amplify it - STORY SHARE FORM
IRL: Meeting In Real Life with a legislator or inviting your legislator to your outdoor school experience is advanced but effective - CONTACT US