Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
SB 5805
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: Concerning conflict resolution programs in schools.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Rolfes and Keiser.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/17/15
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
In 1994 the Legislature passed a bill enacting programs to reduce youth violence, including requiring the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to make a conflict resolution curricular and training resources guide available to districts, schools, staff and parents and to train school and district staff in conflict resolution.
In addition, the bill required the SPI and the Office of the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Washington State Bar Association, to develop a volunteer-based conflict resolution and mediation program for use in community groups such as neighborhood organizations and the public schools. This program must use lawyers to train students who in turn become trainers and mediators for their peers in conflict resolution.
Summary of Bill:
Statewide dispute resolution organizations must be included in the organizations that develop the volunteer-based conflict resolution and mediation program. In addition, the program must use certified mediators, in addition to lawyers, to train students.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.