HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 E2SSB 5212

Title:  An act relating to school safety plans.

 

Brief Description:  Providing for school safety plans.

 

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Eide, Winsley, Thibaudeau, Franklin, Rasmussen and Costa).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

 

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

 

Background:  Current law requires the State Board of Education, upon the advice of the Washington State Patrol's Director of Fire Protection, to adopt and distribute rules concerning the evacuation of schools during a Asudden emergency.@  Pursuant to this authority, the State Board has issued rules requiring local school boards and governing bodies of private schools to develop and practice evacuation plans.  These plans are to be taught periodically to all school personnel and practiced as frequently as may be necessary.

 

Under current law, the State Military Department is responsible for comprehensive emergency management.  AComprehensive emergency management@ means the preparation and imple­mentation of all civilian emergency functions, including responding to Adisasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused.@

 

Summary of Bill:  The State Board of Education must consult with OSPI and the State Military Department, in addition to the State Patrol, when providing rules for emergency plans for school districts and schools.   In addition to natural disasters, comprehensive all-hazard crisis and emergency plans must cover violent acts and serious injuries or death of students and staff.

 

The State Board of Education must issue or update rules regarding site-based plans to deal with emergency conditions require emergency plans be update at least once every five years.  Emergency plans must include the following:  (1) who to contact in an emergency; (2) evacuation procedures; (3) procedures for responding to emergencies; (4) procedures for training students and certificated and classified staff; and (5) procedures for notifying local school staff of the plan.  Finally, school districts and schools must consult with local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management agencies when developing the plans.

 

The Comprehensive All-hazard Crisis and Emergency Plan Development Assistance Program is created to be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The funds, to the extent funds are appropriated for this program, must be used by school districts to update and develop emergency plans for every school, train staff in implementing the plans, acquire materials, and practice the plans.  The program exists subject to appropriation.  Priority must be given to districts that have not yet received funds.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

 

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