FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1819

                         C 101 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing provisions for school district name changes.

Sponsors:  Representatives Anderson, Barlean, Thomas and O'Brien.

House Committee on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Background:

To change the name of a school district,  10 percent of the registered voters in the district must petition the school board and submit a proposed new name.  The school board accepts or rejects the petition to change the name.  If the petition is rejected, the board's decision is final.  If the petition is accepted, and after notice, the board holds a public hearing on the proposed name change; the board may consider other names at the hearing.  The board selects a name to present to the voters at the next special or general election.  If a majority of the voters approve the proposed name change, the new name is recorded in the school district office and appropriate state officials are notified.

Summary:

The school district board of directors may change the name of the school district if either 10 percent of the district's registered voters submit a petition for a new name or if the board passes a motion to hold a hearing to change the district name.  In either case, the board, after giving notice,  must hold a public hearing regarding the proposed name change within one month of receiving the petition or adopting the motion.  Other names may be proposed at the hearing.  A majority of the board may approve  a new name; voter approval is not required.  If a new name is adopted, the new name must be recorded in the school district office and appropriate state officials must be notified.

Votes on Final Passage:

House961

Senate460

Effective:July 25, 1999