Washington state Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, testified, Thursday, Feb. 6, at a public hearing held by the House Education Committee for a new bill that would update the Washington Privacy Act to allow parents to audio record meetings about their child’s individualized education program (IEP).
An IEP is a legal document that details the instruction and services a student with disabilities needs in order to receive a meaningful education, as defined by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.
IEP meetings often involve discussions of technical matters, including evaluations, accommodations and specialized services for students with disabilities, according to a news release from Walsh. Parents and guardians have expressed concerns that these conversations move quickly, making it challenging to retain all the details necessary for informed decision-making, Walsh stated in the release.
“The parents and families want to have the option of going back and reviewing the details of exactly what was discussed so they can be sure they understand the technical points,” Walsh said. “Current state law is unclear on whether they can.”
House Bill 1051 would remove uncertainty by making a narrowly tailored update to the state’s privacy laws, Walsh said.
Walsh, who sponsored the bill, testified that there is currently confusion under the Washington State Privacy Act whether parents have the right to record IEP meetings
According to his team, the legislation would make specific allowances within the act for parents with children using IEPs to record related meetings for their own records.
“This bill was brought to me by concerned families in Southwest Washington whose children are on IEPs,” Walsh stated in a news release. “They want the option — not the requirement, just the option at their choosing — to audio record their IEP planning meetings that impact their kids.”
The bill now waits to be scheduled for a vote by the House Education Committee.
“This bill was requested by several Washington parents who connected through school events and neighborhood meetings,” Walsh said. “While some are not native English speakers, most are and all simply want to ensure they fully understand what’s happening in their children’s education. The great thing is that when I shared their idea with education professionals, they agreed it’s a practical and common-sense reform.”
The 105-day 2025 legislative session began on Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.
