SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1697

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 24, 2010

Title: An act relating to career and technical student organizations.

Brief Description: Regarding career and technical student organizations.

Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Priest, Sullivan, Quall, Upthegrove, Santos, Kenney and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/10, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/24/10 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Gordon, Hobbs, Holmquist, McDermott and Roach.

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: In 2000 the Legislature directed the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to provide at least one full-time equivalent program staff for statewide coordination of career and technical (CTE) student organizations and their members and students. The OSPI may provide additional support to the organizations by contracting with independent coordinators.

CTE student organizations eligible for assistance and support are organizations recognized as by the U.S. Department of Education; or the OSPI, if such recognition is recommended by the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education. Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to:

Summary of Bill: In order to receive state support, CTE student organizations must:

CTE student organizational activities are recognized as integral to career and technical education if they:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: These student leadership programs prepare our students with wonderful and diverse opportunities to increase their academic knowledge and personal skills, including excellent speaking skills. The programs teach students to set goals and then instills confidence, motivation, and drive in the students to achieve them. The bill provides standards for new student leadership organizations that assist students in determining their passion and a pathway to be successful in a career. Students can network with business professionals and community members through these programs. Students get opportunities that most high school students do not get, such as traveling to student leadership conferences in other states. Students who live in areas experiencing an economic downturn in these programs may feel like there is no hope for them to get a job after high school, but these programs give students hope and skills to be prepared for work after school.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tim Knue, Washington Association for Career and Technical Education; Victoria Marsh, Washington FFA ; Ben Morris, SkillsUSA Washington; Bruce McBurney, SkillsUSA Washington; Luke Harrison, Future Business Leaders of America; Reid Miller, Washington Distributive Education Clubs of America; Katie Grimnes, SkillsUSA; Karmen Ayres, SkillsUSA; and Ken Brown, FFA advisor; and Trelace Sigo, FFA.