SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1654

                    As of February 12, 1996

Title:  An act relating to AIDS education.

Brief Description:  Revising advisement regulations for AIDS education.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Lambert, Stevens, Beeksma, Elliot, Crouse, Carlson, Pelesky, Hargrove, Clements, Backlund, Thompson, Huff and Smith).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  3/21/95, 3/30/95 [DP]; 2/16/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  Under current law, instruction in the danger, spread, and prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) must be taught to public school students at least once a year beginning no later than the fifth grade.

Each school district must have a presentation on the instructional materials used in the AIDS prevention education program.  At least one presentation must be conducted during weekend and evening hours.

Students may be excused from participation in the AIDS prevention education program, if a parent has attended a presentation on the program's instructional materials, and objects in writing to the student's participation.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement that parents attend a presentation on the AIDS prevention instructional materials before withdrawing their children from the program is modified.  Instead of having to attend a presentation annually prior to withdrawing a child, parents are required to attend a presentation at least once in the prior five years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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