SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 5916

               As Passed Senate, March 11, 1995

Title:  An act relating to requiring racial harassment policies in school districts.

Brief Description:  Requiring school districts to have racial harassment policies.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl and Pelz).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/28/95, 3/1/95 [DPS, DNP].

Passed Senate, 3/11/95, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5916 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Pelz, Vice Chair; Gaspard and Rasmussen.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators Hochstatter and Johnson.

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  Discrimination violates both state and federal laws.

Summary of Bill:   School districts may adopt and implement racial harassment policies.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction must develop criteria to be used by districts that develop racial harassment policies.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 1, 1995.

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

Testimony For:  This bill is intended to eliminate discrimination in the public schools and help to create a society free of discrimination for all children.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Kohl, sponsor; Larry Davis, SBE; Carol Gregory, SPI; James Kelly, Commission of African-American Affairs.