SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2531

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Education, February 24, 2000

Title:  An act relating to career and technical student organizations.

Brief Description:  Providing statutory support for career and technical student organizations.

Sponsors:  Representatives Doumit, Huff, Morris, Schoesler, Linville, Cox, Grant, Haigh, Anderson, McMorris, Quall, Mulliken, Murray, Talcott, Ruderman, Mastin, Schindler, Lambert, Reardon, Hatfield, Kenney, Carlson, Alexander, D. Schmidt, Lovick, Mitchell, Keiser, Stensen and Rockefeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/21/2000, 2/24/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Brown, Goings, Hochstatter, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  There are state and nationally recognized career and technical student organizations whose primary role is to develop leadership skills for students enrolled in career and technical education programs in schools.  These organizations include Future Farmers of America; Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America; skillsUSA; Distributive Education Clubs of America; Future Business Leaders of America; and the Technology Student Association.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction currently uses federal and state funds to provide .8 full-time equivalent staff to support career and technical student organizations.

Summary of Bill:  The Superintendent of Public Instruction must provide at least one full-time equivalent staff person to provide support and statewide coordination for recognized career and technical student organizations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  These student leadership organizations prepare students for career experiences beyond high school and provide additional education and training outside the classroom.  It is important that these organizations be recognized in statute and that they are ensured ongoing full-time support from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO: Steven Bergan, FBLA; Kathleen Lopp, WA ACTE; Tim Knue, WA ACTE; Greg Pile, FFA; Desire Cordas, FFA; Lacy Drocet, FFA; Joel Ware, citizen; Ken Kanikeberg, OSPI; Nathan Guerrero, Skills-USA/VICA; Nicole Mazikowski, DECA.