SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2933

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 25, 1992

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

SPONSORS: Representatives Peery and Nelson; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Craswell, Murray, Oke, Pelz, Rinehart, A. Smith, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Mich'l Prentice Needham (786‑7439)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1992

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 access school and health records for the 750,000 students in 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 (OSPI) plans to submit a proposal to manage the system, but they need clear statutory authority to operate the system. 

SUMMARY:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is given authority to establish, operate and maintain a national migrant student record transfer system on behalf of the federal government and other states.  The system will keep and share records about the children of migrant families throughout the country.

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

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 5, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

Washington State is currently the largest user of the migrant student record system.  It makes sense for the system to be housed here, but OSPI needs clear statutory authority.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Marcia Costello, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (pro)