SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2996
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 of February 18, 2010
Title: An act relating to record check information.
Brief Description: Including approved private schools in the superintendent of public instruction's record check information rules.
Sponsors: Representatives Quall and Priest.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/18/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: Applicants for educator certification and applicants for employment with approved private schools, public school districts, educational service districts (ESDs), the State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss, the State School for the Blind, and their contractors must get a record check through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, if the employee will have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to children. The Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools may use the process to perform record checks for their employees and applicants for employment.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is authorized to make rules regarding access to and review of information obtained based on the record checks. SPI provides access to the record check information through a database to the public school districts, the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss, the State School for the Blind, the ESDs, and the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded schools. SPI is not currently authorized to provide the information in this manner to approved private schools.
Summary of Bill: The SPI is authorized to adopt rules for private schools regarding access to and review of information obtained based on record checks, including providing access through the record check database.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2010.
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: This is the companion House bill to SB 6619, which passed out of this committee with no amendments. It allows private schools access to the background check reports provided by SPI through a data base. This will help private schools do a better job in their hiring process.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Donna Christensen, Washington State Catholic Conference.