SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5168

                    As of January 25, 1995

Title:  An act relating to student records for students transferring from private to public schools.

Brief Description:  Requiring student records to be sent from private schools to public schools for students transferring from private to public schools.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Quigley, Fairley, Drew, Haugen, Bauer and Pelz.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/26/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  Under current law, public schools are required to send a student's permanent records, including records of disciplinary action, to the public school where the student has transferred.  When the student has an outstanding fee or fine, the sending school must transmit the student information, but may withhold the official transcript of the student.  The receiving school may exclude the student from extracurricular activities or from graduation until the official transcript is received.

Summary of Bill:  Private schools must send a student's permanent records, including records of disciplinary action, to the public school where the student has transferred within two days of receiving a request for the student's records.  When the student has an outstanding monetary obligation, the private school must transmit the student information, but may withhold the official transcript of the student.  The public school may exclude the transferring student from extracurricular activities or from graduation until the official transcript is received. 

Private school employees who release student information according to the law are protected from being sued. 

The private school loses state approval of its program if it fails to share student records when a student transfers to a public school.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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