SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5189

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 9, 2011

Title: An act relating to access to K-12 campuses for occupational or educational information.

Brief Description: Regarding access to K-12 campuses for occupational or educational information.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Swecker, Shin, Roach and Chase.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/24/11, 2/09/11 [DPS, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5189 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Litzow, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Hill, Hobbs, King and Tom.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Nelson.

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

Background: Under current Washington law, if a school board provides access to the campus and the student information directory to people or groups that make students aware of occupational or education options, then the board must provide the same access to military recruiters for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities in the military.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, school districts that receive federal funds must provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students that is provided generally to post secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): If the board of directors of a school district chooses to provide campus access to people or groups for the purpose of making students aware of occupational or educational options, the board must provide access to military recruiters for the purpose of informing students about post-secondary opportunities in the military, which must be equal to and no less than access provided to other post-secondary occupational or educational representatives. Access is defined to include, but is not limited to, the number of days provided and type of presentation space.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): School districts are no longer required to provide campus access to people or groups on at least three separate dates during the school year. Instead, school boards must provide access to military recruiters for the purpose of informing students about post-secondary options, which must be equal to and no less than access provided to other post-secondary occupational or educational representatives. Access is defined to include, but not be limited to, the number of days provided and type of presentation space.

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 on Original Bill: PRO: It is sad that people think serving in the armed forces is not honorable. It is an honorable profession. The military plays a positive role for young people. The military gives opportunity. Colin Powell never would have been Secretary of State with being in the military. For the most part colleges and schools have a great relationship with the military. It is not fair to discriminate against an honorable profession. Military recruiters are limited to two visits per year in most schools. It is extremely difficult to get into schools to volunteer, coach, etc. As military recruiters, we want to have the opportunity to address the student body like any other organization. It is important to have equal time and opportunity for students to come talk to all branches of the military. Colleges are often given an entire room and day for students to come talk about opportunities. Some students have to visit recruiting offices on their own, which takes extra work. We are very proud to represent the military and are often from the communities we serve. We’re not just there for the students that will join the military. The military has something to offer every student with a test preparation program and a career aptitude test. We want to help students graduate. To become a military recruiter, a noncommissioned officer has to go through record check, a 16-week school with many levels to pass, and a six-month trial period when first on recruiting duty. There are lots of checks and balances to become a recruiter.

OTHER: I have a great appreciation for military. However, our concern is about putting in state law the actual number of days allowed on campus. This goes against local control. Additionally, the bill allows any group on campus for at least three days.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor; James D. Clay, U.S. Army Recruiting Command; Justin M. Crawford, U.S. Army Reserves; Myra J Waldher, U.S. Army Recruiting.

OTHER: Marie Sullivan, Washington State School Directors.