Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1715
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. |
Brief Description: Removing school districts' ability to withhold pupils' grades and transcripts.
Sponsors: Representatives Entenman, Boehnke, Jinkins, Ortiz-Self, Bergquist and Pollet; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/19
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
If school property, or property belonging to a contractor of the district, an employee, or another student, has been lost or willfully cut, defaced, or injured, the school district may withhold the grades, diploma, and transcript of the student responsible for the damage or loss until the student or the student's parent or guardian has paid for the damages. When the student and the student's parent or guardian are unable to pay for the damages, the school district must provide a program of voluntary work for the student in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. Upon completion of voluntary work the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the student must be released. The student's parent or guardian is liable for damages as otherwise provided by law.
Summary of Bill:
A school district may only withhold the diploma, not the grades or transcript, of a student who is responsible for damaging school property, or property belonging to a contractor of the district, an employee, or another student.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.