HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 SB  5170

Title:  An act relating to procedures for changing the names of school districts.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions for school district name changes.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, McAuliffe, T. Sheldon, Deccio and Rasmussen.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  March 29, 1999.

Analysis Prepared by:  Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  To change the name of a school district under current law,  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.  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 can 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 of Bill:  The 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.  Other names may be proposed at the hearing.  A majority of the board may approve  a new name; an election 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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.