HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2933

                       As Passed House

                      February 17, 1992

Title:  An act relating to migrant student records.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the superintendent of public instruction to establish and operate a national migrant student record transfer system.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Peery and Nelson; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 6, 1992, DP;

Passed House, February 17, 1992, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 14 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle; Carlson; G. Cole; P. Johnson; Jones; J. Kohl; Neher; Orr; Rasmussen; and Roland.

Minority Report: Without recommendation.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Broback.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  In 1969, the federal government established a national academic and health record-keeping system for students of migrant families.  The system allows schools to quickly and conveniently access school and health records of migrant students.  There are approximately 750,000 students in the system.

The record system has been operated since its inception by the state of Arkansas under contract with the federal government.  Approximately 50 employees manage the system.  In December 1992, the federal government is expected to request proposals from states and other interested parties for future operation of the system.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) plans to submit a proposal to manage the system.  Prior to submitting a proposal, SPI has been advised that it is important that the department have clear statutory authority to operate the system.

Summary of Bill:  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is given authority to operate, on behalf of the federal government and other states, a national migrant student record transfer system that keeps and shares records about the children of migrant families from throughout the nation.

All funding needed to maintain and operate the migrant student record transfer system shall be from federal sources.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 5, 1992.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Locating the migrant student record system in Washington will create jobs.  It will not require state funding.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Marsha Costello, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (supports).