SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1003

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 March 20, 2015

Title: An act relating to the development of a model policy on natural disaster school infrastructure recovery by the Washington state school directors' association.

Brief Description: Concerning the development of a model policy on natural disaster school infrastructure recovery.

Sponsors: Representatives Hawkins, Lytton, Magendanz, Bergquist, Hayes, Robinson, Parker, Ortiz-Self, Harris, Reykdal, Johnson, Senn, Muri, Farrell, Klippert, Pollet, Nealey, Manweller, Kretz, Hargrove, Appleton, Gregerson, Condotta, Kilduff and Walkinshaw.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/15, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/17/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)

Background: Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). WSSDA is comprised of all 1477 school board members from Washington’s 295 public school districts. WSSDA provides materials and educational services to its members, including model policies and procedures.

Washington's Emergency Management Division (EMD). The Washington State Military Department has several operational divisions, including the EMD. These divisions utilize state and federal resources. The mission of the EMD is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on the people, property, environment, and economy of Washington State.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA supports citizens and first responders to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. In 2013 FEMA and other federal agencies published a Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Project. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) was awarded a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning Grant in March 2012 from FEMA. The project will identify the risks from natural hazards to students, teachers, and school facilities. In 2014 OSPI published K–12 Facilities Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of the plan is to reduce the impact of future natural hazard disasters on K–12 schools.

Safe School Plans. Current state law requires school districts to have a safe school plan. Among other things, the plan must:

In 2008 the School Safety Center published a School Safety Planning Manual, which includes a checklist for safe school plans. The manual addresses post-crisis recovery efforts, but it does not specifically address restoring a safe learning environment after a disaster.

Summary of Bill: WSSDA must develop a model policy addressing restoration of the safe learning environment disrupted by natural disaster impacts to school district infrastructures. In developing the model policy, WSSDA may consult with various stakeholders, including the appropriate resources within the following entities:

The model policy must:

By August 31, 2016, WSSDA must distribute the model policy to the school districts. School districts are encouraged to adopt the model policy locally and review their safe school plans.

This act expires September 1, 2016.

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: Wildfires recently devastated large parts of the state, including school facilities. School district staff felt overwhelmed by the damage. In these situations, staff might not know who to contact and what resources are available. A model policy will help schools that have facilities damaged by a natural disaster. This bill addresses natural disasters generally, which can include wildfires, mudslides, flooding, and earthquakes. This bill will help school districts be better prepared.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hawkins, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying:  No one.