Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 2148

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: Regarding provisions for changing school district boundaries.

Sponsors: Representative Quall.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the option that a proposed change in school district organization by transfer of territory from one school district to another may be initiated by a petition signed by a majority of the school board members of the districts affected by the proposed transfer of territory.

Hearing Date: 2/23/07

Staff: Anne Woodward (786-7119).

Background:

In 1999 the Legislature created a set of procedures governing all school district organization and reorganization. Each educational service district (ESD) has its own regional committee comprised of members elected by the school board members of the districts in the ESD. The regional committee is responsible for hearing and approving proposals for changes in the organization of school districts in the ESD, including transfer of territory from one school district to another.

The process for petitioning for the transfer of territory from one school district to another may be initiated by presenting the superintendent of an ESD with one of the following:

Upon receipt of the petition, the ESD superintendent must notify the affected districts. The school boards of the affected districts are required to negotiate the proposal and are given 90 days to reach agreement. If no agreement is possible, the affected districts may request the services of a mediator and/or a hearing before the applicable regional committee.

In the case of a citizen-initiated petition for the transfer of territory between school districts where the affected districts do not agree to the proposed transfer after negotiation and/or mediation, the school board of the district in which the citizens who filed the petition reside must request a hearing by the regional committee. If a majority of the citizens in the district request otherwise, the school board is not required to request a hearing.

Summary of Bill:

A proposed change in school district organization by transfer of territory from one school district to another may be initiated by a petition that is signed by more than half of the registered voters in the territory proposed to be transferred. A petition may no longer be initiated by a petition signed by a majority of the school board members of one of the affected districts.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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