BILL REQ. #:  S-5008.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/03/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to sex offender and kidnapping offender notification and information sharing in schools; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall convene a work group to develop a model policy for schools to follow when they receive notification pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130. The model policy must address, among other issues:
     (a) The designation of appropriate school personnel to receive notification of information received pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130;
     (b) Identification of school personnel who are in a position to recognize high-risk situations or factors that may indicate the offender is encountering difficulty in controlling his or her behavior;
     (c) Whether some portion of the records received from the juvenile rehabilitation administration or court personnel is confidential or otherwise protected;
     (d) To whom some portion of the information received must or should be disclosed;
     (e) How to assist juvenile offenders in making a safe and successful transition from institutional schools to public schools;
     (f) How to work with juvenile probation and juvenile parole professionals in implementing a safety plan;
     (g) What actions school authorities may take when they identify high-risk situations, both for the short-term and long-term safety of other students; and
     (h) Variations in approaches depending on the offender level of the enrolled offender.
     (2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop a model curriculum to be used throughout the state to inform parents and other interested community members about:
     (a) The laws related to sex offenses, and the classification of sex offenders based on an assessment of the risk of reoffending;
     (b) How to recognize sex offender behaviors and how to take positive steps in preventing victimization;
     (c) How safety information may be conveyed to children so that they can avoid or appropriately take action in dangerous situations; and
     (d) How to take advantage of community resources for victims of sexual assault.
     (3) In carrying out its duties under this section, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall consult, as appropriate, with representatives from other agencies and professional organizations, including:
     (a) The Washington state school directors association;
     (b) The department of corrections;
     (c) County sheriffs' offices;
     (d) Prosecuting attorneys;
     (e) Juvenile probation counselors;
     (f) Juvenile court administrators;
     (g) The juvenile rehabilitation administration of the department of social and health services;
     (h) Elementary and secondary school districts;
     (i) Educational service districts;
     (j) The Washington association of school administrators;
     (k) The Washington state parent-teacher association;
     (l) Parents and guardians of school-age children; and
     (m) Other individuals with related experience as deemed appropriate.
     (4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall submit to appropriate committees of the legislature a final report and recommendations by November 15, 2006.
     (5) This section expires July 1, 2007.