SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5916

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                   Education, March 1, 1995

Title:  An act relating to racial equality in school districts.

Brief Description:  Providing for racial equality in school districts.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Kohl and Pelz.

Brief History:

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

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 Substitute Bill:   The Superintendent of Public Instruction must help districts develop racial harassment policies, including grievance procedures, remedies, and disciplinary actions.  Every district must adopt a policy by June 30, 1996.  The superintendent must review the policies.  The policies must be posted, distributed and discussed by each school district.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  All of the language of the bill is deleted, except the language pertaining to racial harassment policies.

The definition of "racial harassment" is changed to include conduct between students.  The title is changed.

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.