SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5305

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 21, 1991

Brief Description:  Conditioning the reduction of a student's suspension on the commencement of counseling.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen and Craswell.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5305 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates:February 13, 1991; February 21, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The State Board of Education has adopted rules regarding short-term and long-term suspension of students.  These rules are to ensure due process for students.  Local school district boards of directors also adopt codes of conduct for students.

SUMMARY:

A school district may reduce the length of a student's suspension if the student undergoes counseling or other treatment services.

This does not obligate the school district to pay for counseling or treatment services except those agreed to by the district.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

It is clarified that the current law regarding school district liability is not changed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will prevent litigation and helps districts reduce the length of suspension on certain conditions without the district being required to pay.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Brad Owen, prime sponsor (pro); Karl Davies (pro); Timothy Paschal, Central Kitsap School District (pro)