FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1412

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.

Brief Description: Requiring school districts to adopt policies that provide incentives for students to participate in community service.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Bergquist, Zeiger, Maxwell, Reykdal, Kagi, Riccelli, Santos, Fitzgibbon, Tarleton, Lytton, Pollet, Farrell, Freeman, Ryu, Stonier, Stanford, Hunt, Van De Wege, Kochmar, Buys, Magendanz, Hayes, O'Ban, Fey, Morrell and Jinkins).

House Committee on Education

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Background:

The State Board of Education (SBE) establishes minimum requirements for high school graduation. The current requirements are 20 credits among a specified distribution of subjects, a culminating project, and a High School and Beyond Plan.

School district boards of directors may establish additional local high school graduation requirements. For example, according to a database developed by the SBE in 2011, at least 20 school districts require students to complete community service for graduation. The required number of hours ranges from 10 to 100.

Summary:

By September 1, 2013, school districts must adopt a policy that is supportive of community service and provides an incentive, such as recognition or credit, for students who participate in community service.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	92	6
Senate	46	1	(Senate amended)
House	90	7	(House concurred)