Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 2599


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Recognizing disability history in the public education system.

Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Ormsby, Simpson and Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires public schools and public institutions of higher education to annually conduct or promote educational activities regarding disability history and people with disabilities.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2002 about 18 percent of Americans said that they had a disability and 12 percent had a severe disability. Over the last two decades, there has been growing emphasis on research, teaching, and scholarship on the history of people with disabilities, as well as the history of disability and related social and civil rights movements.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that annual recognition, throughout the public education system, of disability history will:

Public schools and public institutions of higher education are required to conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. These activities shall take place annually during the month of October. They may include, but are not limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.