Title: An act relating to creating the healthy student grant program.

Brief Description: Creating the healthy student grant program.

Sponsors: House Committee on App Subcom Ed (originally sponsored by Representatives Sullivan, Liias, Quall, Haigh, Simpson and Ormsby).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/08, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/20/08, 2/27/08 [DPA-WM, DNP, w/oRec].

Ways & Means: 3/3/08 [DPA(EDU)].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; Eide, Hobbs, Kauffman, McDermott, Oemig and Rasmussen.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator King, Ranking Minority Member.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Brandland and Holmquist.

Staff: Roman Dixon (786-7438)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Fairley, Hatfield, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: The Essential Academic Learning Requirements for health and fitness expect that students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active life, including physical fitness, nutrition, recognizing patterns of growth and development, and how to reduce health risks and live safely. In addition, students analyze and evaluate the impact of real-life influences on health and develop health and fitness plans based on life goals.

In some communities, hospitals, public health agencies, and other community-based organizations have developed curriculum, materials, and activities to support health and fitness instruction.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The Healthy Student Grant Program is created. Subject to funds appropriated for that purpose, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must allocate funds on a competitive basis to support the Healthy Student Grant Program. Grants must be used to offer innovative and engaging instruction and activities in health, fitness, and nutrition. Grant applications may be submitted by school districts, community-based organizations, community park and recreational programs, hospitals, public health agencies, and other organizations. An application by an organization other than a school district must have a school district partner and the school district must act as the fiscal agent. OSPI must prepare an annual report on the activities supported by the grant program.

The bill contains a null and void clause.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Adds community park and recreational programs to the list of organizations that may submit grant applications.

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 Bill (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: As a parent, I am lacking in the areas of nutrition. However, my third grader has had the benefit of a nutrition program at her school and it has had a tremendous impact on her. In fact, after her nutrition program, she refused to allow me to stop at McDonalds. The blocks are in place so that schools don't have to develop new curriculum. Moreover, this bill supplements the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (for health and fitness) already in place.

Persons Testifying (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: Representative Sullivan, prime sponsor.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: The goal of this bill is to make students healthier to promote learning. This will allow schools, families, and communities to partner together to promote health and fitness.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Ryan Spiller, Washington Health Foundation.