SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   EHB 2549

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1992

Brief Description:  Prohibiting school districts from establishing transfer fees for transfer students.

SPONSORS: Representatives Peery, D. Sommers, Jacobsen, Scott and Rayburn

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates: February 27, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The 1990 Legislature modified provisions in law regarding the transfer of students from one school district to another.  Under this "Educational Choice" legislation, school districts were required to release students, if requested, to attend school in another district if specified conditions were met.  These conditions include:  1) the likelihood that a financial, health, educational or safety condition of the student would be improved; 2) the nonresident school is more accessible to the parent's place of work or the child's day care; or 3) there is a special hardship or detrimental condition.

The legislation allowed the nonresident school district accepting the student to charge a transfer fee.  According to a survey conducted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 29 school districts have decided to charge transfer fees.  Annual fees charged by these districts range from $100 (Carbonado) to $1,610 (Mercer Island).

Parents and others have been concerned that certain school districts have transfer fees that are too high, thereby making it difficult or impossible for middle and low income students to attend school in other districts.

SUMMARY:

School districts may not charge tuition or transfer fees for nonresident students who transfer into the school district under the state's educational choice program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available