AN ACT Relating to education and other programs to enhance creative thought and development; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) Society is experiencing a rapid transformation into a technological age requiring citizens to be capable of mentally processing increasingly larger amounts of information;

(b) Current research on creative thought and development and intelligence and the innate capacities of the brain shows that individuals can be taught to master the fundamental skill of learning how to learn in order to more effectively use their inherent brain power and that such mastery can positively affect those brain functions affecting emotional maturation, as well as individuals' total personal growth including physical development;

(c) The ability to reason, solve problems, think critically, exercise independent judgment, and perform other functions of the mind at higher levels can be enhanced in every person;

(d) Recent national and international projects and seminars have shown good results with promising social and educational benefits;

(e) The state of Washington, consistent with its reputation as a lighthouse state on education issues, should assume a leadership role in implementing research-supported innovations that can enhance the formal educational experiences for students and stimulate interest in the value of life-long learning; and

(f) The enhancement of creative thought and development potential should be stressed for all persons.

(2) The legislature in establishing the position of coordinator to promote the enhancement of creative thought and development intends to provide personal and social benefits to the people of the state of Washington and to ensure that the state takes maximum advantage of the emerging technological age.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The governor shall establish a position of coordinator within the office of the governor to promote the enhancement of creative thought and development. The provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW do not apply to the coordinator and such staff as the coordinator may employ as necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The coordinator, working in cooperation with the state board of education, the superintendent of public instruction, school districts, educational service districts, individuals, local groups, and organizations throughout the state, may undertake any program or activity for which funds are appropriated or are otherwise available which furthers the goals of this chapter. These programs and activities may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Promoting public awareness through public service announcements on television and radio and providing information about programs, activities, and resources of value to individuals, groups, and organizations interested in creative thought and development issues;

(2) Maintaining a clearinghouse of creative thought and development information;

(3) Sponsoring recognition events for outstanding individuals and organizations involved with creative thought and development programs or projects;

(4) Organizing, or assisting in the organization of, training workshops, seminars, and conferences; and

(5) Publishing schedules of significant events, lists of published materials, accounts of successful programs and programming techniques, and other information concerning the enhancement of creative thought and development, and widely distributing this information.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The coordinator may receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from private or public sources as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the coordinator's activities under this chapter and expend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments. The coordinator may charge reasonable fees, or other appropriate charges, for attendance at workshops and conferences, for various publications, and for other materials which it is authorized to prepare and distribute for the purpose of defraying all or part of the costs of those activities and materials.

(2) An account known as the creative thought and development account is created, which consists of all gifts, grants, and endowments, fees, and other revenues received under this chapter. The state treasurer is the custodian of the account. Disbursements from the account shall be on authorization of the coordinator or the coordinator's designee, and may be made for the following purposes to enhance the capabilities of the coordinator's activities, such as: (a) Publication and distribution of materials pertaining to creative thought and development; and (b) for other purposes designated in gifts, grants, or endowments consistent with the purposes of this chapter. The account is subject to the allotment procedure provided under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for disbursements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The position of coordinator shall cease to exist on June 30, 1987, unless extended by law for an additional fixed period of time. The legislative budget committee shall cause a performance audit of the coordinator's activities under this chapter to be conducted. The final audit report shall be available to the legislature at least six months before the scheduled termination date. The audit shall include, but is not limited to, objective findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations as to the continuation, modification, or termination of the position of coordinator.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 5 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Implementation of this act is subject to funds being appropriated or available for the purposes of this act.