HB 2811

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2811

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Education
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education

Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Liias, Quall, Haigh, Simpson and Ormsby.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haigh, Liias, Roach, Santos and Sullivan.

Background:

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements for health and fitness expect that students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active life, including physical fitness, nutrition, recognizing patterns of growth and development, and how to reduce health risks and live safely. In addition, students analyze and evaluate the impact of real-life influences on health and develop health and fitness plans based on life goals.

In some communities, hospitals, public health agencies, and other community-based organizations have developed curriculum, materials, and activities to support health and fitness instruction.

Summary of Bill:

If funds are appropriated, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will allocate funds on a competitive basis to support the Healthy Student Grant Program. The grants will be used to develop and offer innovative and engaging instruction and activities in health, fitness, and nutrition. School districts, independently or in partnership with community-based organizations, hospitals, public health agencies, and other organizations, may submit grant applications. The OSPI prepares an annual report on the activities supported by the grants.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) As parents, we all want the best for our children and their health, but sometimes we need a little help. One example is in the area of nutrition. Some schools have teamed up with hospitals and community organizations to have nutritionists come to the school. Students learn about serving sizes, healthy snacks, and the amount of sugar in soda. In fitness classes they have a pedometer and learn how many steps per day everyone should walk to be healthy. Local pediatricians are concerned about increased rates of diabetes and obesity in children. They believe that reaching into the schools to educate students will have long-term benefits on both students and their families. Hospital-based programs won't work.
Students need the opportunity to learn about health in a fun way, but a more effective approach would be to deliver programs through the coordinated school health model, rather than add to the proliferation of small programs competing for focus and resources. There is an obesity epidemic that needs to be combated in an engaging way. Health education and physical education are preventive measures and can save money, improve health, and improve academic performance.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Sullivan, prime sponsor; Molly Sullivan; Greg Bert, Black Hills High School; Sandi Swarthout, Washington Health Foundation; Tracy Krause, Sara Saverud, and Jeana Hagg, Tahoma High School; Lucy Culp, American Heart Association; Dan Sindelar; Kate Kramer; Pam Kramer; and Mitch Denning, Alliance of Education Association.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Sullivan, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Crouse, Fromhold, Haler, Herrera, Jarrett, Kagi, Kenney, Ormsby, Quall, Seaquist, Springer and Wallace.

Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Subcommittee on Education Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Education:

A null and void clause was added, making the bill null and void unless funded in the budget.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Metro Parks Tacoma has made it a priority to take on a higher profile role in the obesity issue. Metro Parks is looking for bills that promote health and fitness to support. It would be nice to see Metro Parks specifically called out in the bill, somewhere in section 2. Generally if an entity is not specifically called out in the bill, it is difficult to get into the pecking order for funds through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(Opposed) None.