| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
HB 2137
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.
Brief Description: Allowing school employees' children with disabilities to enroll in special services programs in the district where the employee is assigned.
Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Skinner, Kagi, Hankins, Roberts, Chase, Kenney, Moeller, Simpson and Santos.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/07
Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).
Background:
Generally, a public school student must attend school in the district where the student lives
(resident students). However, there are exceptions. A student may apply to attend a different
school within their district (intradistrict transfer), or outside of the district where he or she lives
(interdistrict transfer). School districts are required to have policies regarding how such
applications are decided, and state law provides specific reasons that districts can reject
applications.
School districts must accept application from non-resident students who are children of full-time
certificated and classified school employees. Such students may enroll at the school where the
parent/employee works, or at a school forming the district's K through 12 continuum which
includes the school where the parent/employee works. Districts may reject applications from
non-resident children of district employees because of prior discipline or behavioral problems, or
if enrollment would displace a child who is a resident of the district.
Each school district is required to provide education for all children with disabilities between the
ages of three and twenty-one. This includes preschool, elementary school, and secondary school.
By September 1, 2009, each school district is required provide, or contract for, early intervention
services to all eligible children with disabilities from birth to three years of age.
Summary of Bill:
A school district must allow the children of full-time certificated and classified school employees
to enroll at a school in the district that provides early intervention or preschool services for
special education students, so long as the student is eligible for such services. This requirement
shall apply to both resident and non-resident students.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.