BILL REQ. #:  S-2001.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/24/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to the state board of health adopting rules that impact school districts; adding a new section to chapter 28A.210 RCW; creating a new section; providing expiration dates; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature commends the state board of health for its commitment to making schools safe and to ensuring healthy learning environments for all children. While the legislature is also committed to the health and safety of Washington's school children, it recognizes that it cannot practically implement the state board of health's proposed school environmental health and safety rules without an extended phase-in period in light of other budget constraints.
     (2) This section expires January 1, 2015.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.210 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) During the period January 1, 2009, until January 1, 2015, before the state board of health implements any rules pertaining to primary and secondary school facilities, it shall present the rules and a final cost estimate to the legislature, and the legislature shall formally approve the implementation of the rules through the omnibus appropriations act or by statute or concurrent resolution. The legislature may incrementally phase-in appropriations to support the school environmental health and safety rules until full implementation can be achieved.
     (2) The boards of directors of each school district are encouraged to review the state board of health's rules pertaining to school facilities and to consider implementing those that have no fiscal impact.
     (3) This section expires January 1, 2015.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.