Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Select Committee on Environmental Health

SB 6941


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 private schools' participation in a waste reduction and recycling awards program.

Sponsors: Senators Fraser, Morton, Regala and Delvin.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows private schools to participate in the Department of Ecology waste reduction and recycling awards program and to be eligible to receive awards in amounts up to $5,000.

Hearing Date: 2/21/08

Staff: Ashley Pedersen (786-7303).

Background:

The Department of Ecology's (DOE) Office of Waste Reduction has run a waste reduction and recycling awards program since the early 1990s. This program, designated the Terry Husseman Sustainable Public School Awards program, offers financial awards to schools that achieve notable waste reduction and recycling successes. The program is open to all public schools, grades kindergarten through 12. It is not open to private schools. The awards program is administered by the DOE with some support from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Awards are meant to support school programs that sustain themselves or continue year after year; and focus on reducing waste, increasing recycling, and reducing threats from toxins.

Summary of Bill:

Private schools may participate in the DOE waste reduction and recycling awards program and implement waste reduction and recycling programs. Through the awards program, DOE must encourage waste reduction and recycling in private schools. Private schools participating in the program are eligible to receive awards in amounts up to $5,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2008.

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