Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2262: Signature education
Status: In committee, February 19, 2026
Concerning civics education for public school students through instruction and information about the production and use of official signatures.
What the bill says
An act Relating to civics education for public school students through instruction and information about the production and use of official signatures; amending RCW 28A.230.094 and 29A.60.300; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to civics education for public school students through instruction and information about the production and use of official signatures; amending RCW 28A.230.094 and 29A.60.300; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that advances in technology, evolving instructional priorities, and limited classroom time have led to a decline in the teaching of cursive handwriting and signature development in public schools. Because Washington state does not require cursive instruction, many students complete their education without learning how to sign their names in a clear, distinctive, and consistent manner. (2) The legislature also finds that when students are not taught how to develop and consistently reproduce a distinctive signature, they may face avoidable challenges in voting, entering into legal agreements, and conducting everyday civic and financial affairs. The legislature further finds that a legible and repeatable handwritten signature remains an essential life skill and a foundational element of civic participation. Despite the growth of electronic signatures, many important documents in Washington still require an original, wet ink signature to verify identity and intent. These documents include, but are not limited to, ballots, initiatives, voter registration forms, and other official documents that are required at the state and federal level. For many young people, the lack of a consistent signature can create barriers to fully …
Sponsors
- April Connors (R) · primary sponsor
- Skyler Rude (R)
- Suzanne Schmidt (R)
- Mark Klicker (R)
- Virginia Graham (R)
- Stephanie Barnard (R)
- Gerry Pollet (D)
Latest actions
- : House Rules "X" file.
- : Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
- : ED - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the House Committee on Education at 4:00 PM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Education at 8:00 AM.
- : First reading, referred to Education.
- : Prefiled for introduction.
Votes
- House Committee on Education: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 3, 2026): 14 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, ELECTIONS
Common questions
- What is HB2262?
- HB2262 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Signature education.
- What does HB2262 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to civics education for public school students through instruction and information about the production and use of official signatures; amending RCW 28A.230.094 and 29A.60.300; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2262?
- In committee as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: House Rules "X" file. (February 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2262?
- April Connors (R), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2262?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2262&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.