HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1336

BYRepresentatives Scott, P. King, Schmidt, Patrick, Tate, Moyer, Appelwick, Padden, Crane, Peery, Cole, Valle, Baugher, R. Meyers, Wang, Rasmussen, Dorn, K. Wilson, Locke, Brekke, Haugen, Walk, Basich, Rust, Cantwell, Holland, H. Myers, Belcher, Heavey, Anderson, Nelson, Hargrove, Bristow, Spanel, Leonard, Nutley, Todd, Wineberry, Winsley, Sayan, Rector, Kremen, May, Hine, Ebersole, Jacobsen, G. Fisher, Sprenkle and Rayburn

Creating the substance abuse intervention program.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Horn, Jones, P. King, Phillips, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Schoon, Valle, Walker and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION FEBRUARY 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the legislature enacted the Substance Abuse Awareness Program.  The program was to be coordinated with existing community resources.  Primary emphasis in implementation has been on prevention and in some districts on aftercare.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Superintendent of Public Instruction may grant funds to school districts for the development and implementation of education and disciplinary policies which are the basis of intervention and aftercare activities.  The activities may include: 1) Peer support groups in elementary through high school for at-risk students, students in treatment or returning from treatment; 2) Intervention programs where school staff confront or assist in confronting students and their parents or guardian with evidence of the impact of drug or alcohol abuse and related at-risk behavior; and 3) Provision of information to students and parents on sources of treatment within the local community or state.

Applications shall meet the requirements set forth in the substance abuse awareness program.  One application may be submitted for the both substance abuse awareness and substance abuse intervention program.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Language is added to clarify that: 1) the peer support program and intervention program involve students in grades kindergarten though twelve; 2) the peer support program will be provided for students at-risk or students returning from treatment; and 3) that staff may confront or assist in confronting students and their parent or guardian on the evidence of substance abuse.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Rep. Pat Scott; Ken Watson, Seattle School District and speaking for Tacoma School District.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The impact of substance abuse on our children is of major concern to the citizens of this state.  There is a need to be sure that both students and parents recognize when evidence of substance abuse and related at-risk behavior is present.  Confronting parents and students with information or evidence of substance abuse must also be combined with information on where treatment is available within the community and the state and a willingness to support the student after he or she has completed treatment.  Schools must address the problem of substance abuse on all levels and support students and their families as they deal with this difficult problem.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.