SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5174
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 Passed Senate, February 23, 2011
Title: An act relating to encouraging instruction in the history of civil rights.
Brief Description: Encouraging instruction in the history of civil rights.
Sponsors: Senators Chase, McAuliffe, Prentice, Nelson, Kohl-Welles, Shin and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/03/11 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/23/11, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Litzow, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Hill, Hobbs, King, Nelson, Rockefeller and Tom.
Staff: Juliana Roe (786-7438)
Background: Under current law, school districts are required to participate in various programs which include, but are not limited to, (1) the Primary Prevention Program and Child Abuse and Neglect Education and Prevention Program; (2) a program to help students meet minimum entrance requirements at baccalaureate-granting institutions or to pursue career or other opportunities; (3) a temperance and good citizenship day program; (4) activities to provide instruction, awareness, and understandings of disability history and people with disabilities; and (5) activities in observance of Veteran's Day.
Summary of Bill: School districts are encouraged to conduct a program commemorating the history of civil rights at least once a year.
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: Democracy requires civic participation. It functions best when citizens are informed of important issues. Well informed citizens should participate in civic affairs. It is their right. The practice and habit of participation starts when kids are in school studying what people used to call civics. Therefore we should encourage schools to teach civil rights. When people learn about the history of people giving something of themselves to change lives and our laws for the better, they are inspired to make a difference as well.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Chase, prime sponsor; Madrona K-8 Students, Madrona Martin Luther King Jr. Group.