SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5191

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 January 25, 2012

Title: An act relating to flexibility in the education system.

Brief Description: Providing flexibility in the education system.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, King, Hewitt, Haugen, Ranker, Litzow, Kilmer, Hill, McAuliffe, Harper, White, Tom, Rockefeller, Becker and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/31/11, 2/02/11 [DPS]; 1/25/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5191 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Litzow, Ranking Minority Member; Eide, Fain, Hill, Hobbs, King, Nelson, Rockefeller and Tom.

Staff: Stephanie Christensen (786-7405)

Background: Title 28A of the Revised Code of Washington encompasses the laws related to the common schools and establishes the organizational structure of the common school system. Common schools are public schools operating a program for kindergarten through 12th grade or any part thereof. Separate chapters define the roles and responsibilities of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), the State Board of Education (SBE), educational service districts (ESDs), and school districts. Other chapters of Title 28A define requirements for health screening and requirements, traffic safety, compulsory course work and activities, and academic achievement and accountability.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Second Substitute): The following laws in Title 28A RCW are repealed, suspended until July 1, 2015, or amended.

The following laws are each repealed:

The following programs or requirements established by law are each suspended until July 1, 2015:

The following laws are amended:

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Proposed Second Substitute): Suspended programs are suspended until July 1, 2015, rather than July 1, 2013.

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: PRO: Trying to remove as many unfunded mandates as possible to ease the burden on school districts. Student Learning Plans have not worked well and should be eliminated.

OTHER: There should be an amendment that removes sections 12 and 13.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hobbes, prime sponsor; Yoshe Revelle; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.

OTHER: Jerry Bender, Assn. of WA School Principals; Marie Sullivan, WA State School Directors' Assn.