SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2548

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 26, 1992

Brief Description:  Clarifying the determination of "years of service" for certain educational employees.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Peery, H. Myers, Brough, Ogden, Orr, J. Kohl and Roland)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  William Freund (786‑7715)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature provides salary funds through the Appropriations Act to school districts based on calculations of each district's employee education and experience.  For teachers, school nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other certificated instructional staff, funds are provided based on an annual allocation schedule which takes into consideration the education and school-related work experience of each certificated staff member.

The definition of work experience is limited primarily to employment in schools.  Thus, the work experience of a nurse in a pediatric section of a hospital would not be counted under the allocation schedule's definition of work experience.

According to school personnel officials, it has become especially difficult to recruit and retain occupational therapists, and nurses.

SUMMARY:

Beginning in the 1992-93 school year, the determination of years of experience for licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, and nurses is expanded to include nonschool work experience as licensed therapists or nurses.

The bill is null and void unless funding is provided in the supplemental budget.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available