SENATE BILL REPORT

                 E2SSB 5212

              As Passed Senate, February 9, 2000

Title:  An act relating to school safety plans.

Brief Description:  Providing for school safety plans.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Eide, Winsley, Thibaudeau, Franklin, Rasmussen and Costa).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/18/99, 2/1/99 [DPS]; 1/13/00, 1/24/00 [DP2S].

Passed Senate, 2/10/99, 46-0; 2/9/00, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5212 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background:  Current law requires the State Board of Education, upon the advice of the Washington State Patrol's Director of Fire Protection, to adopt and distribute rules concerning the evacuation of schools during a Asudden emergency.@  Pursuant to this authority, the State Board has issued rules requiring local school boards and governing bodies of private schools to develop and practice evacuation plans.  These plans are to be taught periodically to all school personnel and practiced as frequently as may be necessary.

Under current law, the State Military Department is responsible for comprehensive emergency management.  AComprehensive emergency management@ means the preparation and implementation of all civilian emergency functions, including responding to Adisasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused.@

Summary of Bill: Requires Consultations with the Office of Superintendent of Public Education (OSPI) and the State Military Department.  The State Board of Education must consult with OSPI and the State Military Department, in addition to the State Patrol, when providing for emergency plans for school districts and schools.

Specifies Types of Emergencies.  In addition to natural disasters, comprehensive all-hazard crisis and emergency plans must cover violent acts and serious injuries or death of students and staff.

Requires the Development and Evaluation of Emergency Plans.  The State Board of Education must issue rules directing school districts to:  (1) develop, manage and evaluate site-based plans to deal with emergency conditions; and (2) develop and update emergency plans at least once every five years.  Additionally, school districts and schools must develop standards for emergency plans, which must include the following:  (1) who to contact in an emergency; (2) evacuation procedures; (3) procedures for responding to emergencies; (4) procedures for training students and certificated and classified staff; and (5) procedures for notifying local school staff of the plan.  Finally, school districts and schools must consult with local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management agencies when developing the plans.

Creates School Safety Funding Program.  A school safety funding program is created to be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The funds must be used by school districts to (1) update and develop emergency plans for every school, (2) train staff in implementing the plans, (3) acquire materials, and (4) practice the plans.  The program exists subject to appropriation.  Priority must be given to districts that have not yet received funds.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Schools need plans and training to deal with violent acts.  This bill is necessary to assist schools in preparing for not only natural disasters but acts of violence in schools.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Robert Guile, Judy Hartmann, Tacoma School District; Rainer Houser, Assn. of WA School Principals; Larry Davis, SBE; Doug Nelson, PSE; Pegi McEvoy, Seattle Schools; Marilee Hill-Anderson, Sumner SD; Steven C. Bailey, Pierce County Emergency Management; Eric Holdeman, WA State Emergency Mgmt. Assn.; Larry Farrar, Seattle School District; Marlene Holyater, Superintendent, Shoreline School District; Barbara Mertens, WASA.

House Amendment(s):  The safety plans must include procedures for notifying parents and community members about the plan.

School districts are encouraged to implement character education programs incorporating into each school=s curriculum specified values and character traits.  Subject to appropriation, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must provide funds to school districts implementing character education programs.  Funds must be distributed in an equal amount per elementary school student, and at a minimum of $200 for each elementary school in a district.  The bill is null and void if not funded in the budget.