HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5977

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard and Patterson)

Providing for a plan for implementing a state educational telecommunications network.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Allen, Barnes, Basich, Jesernig, Nelson, Prince, Silver, Unsoeld and Wineberry.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Miller and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

Rereferred House Committee on Ways and Means/Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (21)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Allen, Belcher, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Grant, Grimm, Hine, McLean, McMullen, Nealey, Niemi, Sayan, Silver, L. Smith, H. Sommers, Sprenkle and B. Williams.

House Staff:      Bill Robinson (786-7142)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

A number of activities are underway or are being developed relating to the use of telecommunications technology in common school and higher education in the state.  It is suggested that coordinating these activities may increase the benefits to the state's public education system.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Higher Education Coordinating Board will jointly develop and recommend to the legislature, by June 30, 1989, a model plan for implementing a state educational telecommunications network.  In developing the plan, existing telecommunications activities must be reviewed.

The plan must address the needs of the common schools and higher education, and provide coordination of existing and proposed telecommunications programs, projects, and activities.

Institutions of higher education, educational service districts, and school districts are directed not to expand existing educational telecommunications systems without the approval of the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Institutions and districts are prohibited from starting or implementing new educational telecommunications activities until the plan is completed and transmitted to the legislature.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board and the superintendent will monitor compliance of these requirements, and will present a progress report to the legislature by December 1, 1988.

The bill expires on July 1, 1989.

Fiscal Note:      Requested April 6, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Higher Education)  Dale Vincent, Pacific Northwest Bell.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Chris Shardelman, Citizens for Sensible Legislation.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Higher Education)  Developing a plan to create a statewide educational telecommunications network is essential if educators are to take full advantage of available technology.  Private organizations such as Pacific Northwest Bell are willing to assist in the development of the plan.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The bill should be amended to ensure that the network will not be used for disseminating propaganda from foreign governments such as Russia.

(Ways & Means/Appropriations)  None Presented.