BILL REQ. #:  S-4776.2 

READ FIRST TIME 01/31/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to public school facilities; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) By December 1, 2007, the department of community, trade, and economic development, in coordination with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, will study how local governments that are required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 and the school districts within whose boundaries they are located could assure that permanent public school facility space adequate to serve enrollment generated by residential development and proximately located to the development is in place at the time the enrollment is generated; develop recommendations for statutory requirements, funding mechanisms, and planning processes; and present the study and recommendations to the governor, the superintendent of public instruction, and the legislature. The study and recommendations shall assist the local governments and school districts in achieving their overall school facility and community planning and development objectives.
     (2) The study and recommendations shall address the following:
     (a) Statutory requirements for goals, comprehensive plan elements, and development regulations under chapter 36.70A RCW, including but not limited to (i) enhanced provisions within land use and capital facilities elements or a separate public school facility's element, and (ii) specifically including planning for adequate capacity of land within land use categories in which public school facilities are an allowable use in order to meet the goal of RCW 36.70A.020(8) for natural resource lands;
     (b) Provisions for state assistance for school plant facilities, as set forth in chapter 28A.525 RCW and implementing regulations;
     (c) Provisions of interlocal agreements between local governments and school districts to coordinate planning and establish level of service standards for schools, including but not limited to sources and use of relevant data, local government infrastructure related to public school facilities, shared use of facilities, dispute resolution, and public participation and oversight;
     (d) Review and enforcement of interlocal agreements and statutory requirements, including but not limited to rule making, administrative and judicial appeals, and sanctions;
     (e) Other alternatives and model processes for enhanced coordination between local governments and school districts, including but not limited to needs for shared data and information, processes for optimal coordination, local permitting and fee administration, and enhanced communication procedures; and
     (f) Any other topics relevant to the purpose of this section that the department may identify.
     (3) The department, in coordination with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall convene a working group that includes, but is not limited to, representatives of: Pierce, Clark, Spokane, and other counties; cities; public school districts; private sector groups, including developers and agricultural interests; educational associations; relevant state agencies; and the office of the superintendent of public instruction.