SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2810
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 Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 25, 2008
Title: An act relating to enhancing resources and assistance in school districts with concentrations of English language learner students.
Brief Description: Enhancing resources and assistance in school districts with concentrations of English language learners.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Sullivan, Quall, Upthegrove, Anderson, Conway, Kenney, Haigh, Hudgins, Santos, Simpson and Ormsby).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/08, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/21/08, 2/25/08 [DP-WM, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Eide, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, McDermott, Oemig, Rasmussen and Weinstein.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Zarelli.
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) and the Transitional Bilingual Instruction
Program (TBIP) both fall within the Legislature's current definition of basic education.
The LAP provides additional assistance to students who have academic deficits in basic skills.
School districts receive LAP allocations based on one or more family income factors measuring
economic need. The income factor used in the 2007-09 biennial operating budget is the number
of students in the district who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch. In the 2007-08 school
year, the LAP allocation is approximately $228 per eligible student. This program is a
"categorical program", which requires the state funds to be expended on this program but does
not mandate a specific spending pattern.
The TBIP provides instruction designed to increase competency in English for students whose
primary language is other than English. The TBIP funds may also be used to provide in-service
training for teachers, counselors, and other staff involved in the TBIP program. In the 2007-08
school year, the TBIP allocation is approximately $858 per eligible student. This program is a
"categorical program" which requires the state funds to be expended on this program but does not
mandate a specific spending pattern.
Summary of Bill: Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, a LAP enhancement formula is created
to allocate additional funds to school districts where more than 20 percent of the district's students
are enrolled in the TBIP and more than 40 percent of the district's students are eligible for free
or reduced price lunch.
The bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute: PRO: There are a number of school districts that have made a compelling case that for greater resources and assistance to help their students in the districts that have high levels of poverty and high levels of English language learners. This bill will provide those additional resources and assistance.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Pat Sullivan, prime sponsor; Isabel Munoz-Colon, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.