S-3978.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6627
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State of Washington 56th Legislature 2000 Regular Session
By Senators Eide, Winsley, Prentice, Kohl‑Welles, Fairley, Patterson, Kline, Fraser and Zarelli
Read first time 01/20/2000. Referred to Committee on Education.
AN ACT Relating to the use of animals in schools; adding a new section to chapter 28A.600 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.320 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28A.600 RCW to read as follows:
Any student who expresses an objection to the performance of or witnessing the dissection of an animal shall not be required to participate in or observe the dissection. Alternative projects shall be provided for the student. The student shall not be penalized for the refusal.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:
Each school district board of directors shall adopt policies requiring any live animals on the premises of a public school to be housed and cared for in a safe and humane manner including but not limited to:
(1) Maintaining the animal under the best possible conditions of health, comfort, and well-being with sufficient food, water, and shelter with considerable likeness to the animal's natural habitat, enough space to get adequate exercise, and appropriate and comfortable temperatures;
(2) Permitting experimentation with animals only to the extent permitted under chapter 16.52 RCW and if qualifying as a properly conducted scientific experiment under RCW 16.52.180; and
(3) Providing for any interaction with animals under the personal direction of an educational employee of the school district who is familiar with the requirements of the laws requiring the humane treatment of animals and the prevention of cruelty to animals.
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