HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2817
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 of Second Reading
Title: An act relating to repealing the requirement to provide funding for a student achievement program.
Brief Description: Repealing the requirement to provide funding for a student achievement program.
Sponsors: Representatives Eddy and Finn.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Ways & Means: 3/7/12.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Jessica Harrell (786-7349).
Background:
In November 2000 Initiative 728 (I-728), the K-12 2000 Student Achievement Act, was approved by Washington voters. Under I-728, a portion of certain state revenues were dedicated to the Student Achievement Fund. School districts were given the discretion to use the I-728 related funding for any of six activities for improving student achievement. These activities included:
reductions in K-4 class size;
selected class size reductions in grades 5-12;
extended learning opportunities for students who need or want additional time in school;
investments in educators and their professional development;
early assistance for children who need pre-kindergarten support in order to be successful in school; and
providing improvement or additions to facilities to support class size reductions and extended learning opportunities.
Upon initial approval, $140 per pupil of the state property tax was directed to be placed in the Student Achievement Fund for calendar years 2001 through 2003. As directed in I-728, the dedicated funding to the Student Achievement Fund would increase in 2004 to $450 per pupil and be adjusted for inflation thereafter. However, the 2003 Legislature revised the per pupil amounts of the state property tax to be placed in the Student Achievement Fund to $140 in the 2003-04 school year, $254 in 2004-05, $300 in 2005-06, $375 in 2006-07, and $450 in 2007-08. Each year after 2007-08, the per pupil figure was to be adjusted annually for inflation.
In 2008 the Legislature made additional adjustments to the Student Achievement Fund. In 2008 the amount dedicated to the Student Achievement Fund was $458.10. For the 2009-10 school year, the per pupil appropriations began to be specified in the Omnibus Appropriations Act and the figure was reduced to $131.16. Concurrently, the K-12 2000 Student Achievement Act Account was consolidated into the State General Fund under Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5073, and the Student Achievement Act and Student Achievement Fund became the Student Achievement Program (program). Funding for the program was suspended in the 2010-11 school year and continues to be suspended through 2012-13.
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Summary of Bill:
The statutory requirement to provide funding in specified annual amounts for the Student Achievement Program is repealed. In addition, all statutory references to the Student Achievement Program are also removed. Funding that was previously dedicated to the Student Achievement Fund is directed to the support of common schools.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(Opposed) The initiative 728 (I-728) is a promise of funding that should not be repealed unless there are funds that will fulfill the requirements of the McCleary decision in its place. Additionally, repeal of I-728 could reduce the levy base causing increased financial challenges for districts.
Persons Testifying: Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association; and Dan Steele, Washington Association of School Administrators.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.