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
Title: An act relating to creating the healthy student grant program.
Brief Description: Creating the healthy student grant program.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Liias, Quall, Haigh, Simpson and Ormsby.
Brief History:
Education: 1/25/08, 2/1/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
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.
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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.