HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6313
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 disability history month.
Brief Description: Recognizing disability history in the public education system.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Tom, Delvin, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Fairley and Fraser.
Brief History:
Education: 2/26/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haigh, Liias, Santos and Sullivan.
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2002 about 18 percent of Americans said
that they had a disability and 12 percent had a severe disability. Over the last two decades,
there has been growing emphasis on research, teaching, and scholarship on the history of
people with disabilities, as well as the history of disability and related social and civil rights
movements.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that annual recognition, throughout the public education system, of
disability history will:
Public schools and public institutions of higher education are required to conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. These activities shall take place annually during the month of October. They may include, but are not limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations.
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) This bill will go a long way toward making sure that people with disabilities are
treated with respect. On the surface, it may seem that it only makes a small change but it is a
system changer. This doesn't have to cost a lot of money because there are a variety of
different people and groups willing to participate, develop curricula, and offer lessons and
activities. The veterans are also rallying around this bill and have offered to produce a one
hour video to be shown in schools.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Skip Dreps, Paralyzed Veterans of America; Toby Olson, Governor's Commission on Disability Issues and Employment; Emily J. Rogers, Self-Advocated in Leadership; Christie Perkins, Washington State Special Education Coalition; and David Lord, Disability Rights Washington.