SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5775
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 Passed Senate, March 6, 2007
Title: An act relating to special education.
Brief Description: Changing special education provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Kauffman, Rasmussen, Zarelli, Berkey, Oemig, McAuliffe, Shin and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/01/07, 2/08/07 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Clements, Eide, Hewitt, Hobbs, Kauffman, Oemig, Rasmussen, Weinstein and Zarelli.
Staff: Eric Bratton (786-7438)
Background: In 2004, the President signed the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) into law re-authorizing the original IDEA and aligning it with the goals and purposes of No Child Left Behind. Part B of the law ensures that children between the ages of three and 21 receive special education and related services. Washington State's special education laws follow the federal laws closely.
Summary of Bill: Some of the language and terms in Washington State's special education laws are changed to better align with the federal IDEA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is merely a clean-up bill to align Washington State law with federal IDEA.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Donna Obermeyer, Washington State Special Education Coalition.