SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6429
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 February 2, 2016
Title: An act relating to school day start times.
Brief Description: Creating the sandman act.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe and Litzow.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/02/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background: Current state law defines the school day as each day of the school year for which students enrolled in the common schools of a district are engaged in academic, and career and technical instruction planned by and under the direction of the school. It does not address start and dismissal times for a school day.
School boards of directors have broad authority to adopt policies for the implementation of programs, activities, and services that are not in conflict with other law. Currently, school boards of directors determine the start and dismissal times for school days. School boards of directors also authorize the use of school facilities for night schools, summer schools, meetings, and community education programs.
Summary of Bill: Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, all public schools must start one hour later than the time they started in the 2015-16 school year. The stated intent is to help increase academic performance, improve graduation rates, and reduce health problems.
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: This bill shows that students' voices are being heard. The internal clock of teenagers tells them to stay up later and wake up later. Students also have a lot of extracurricular activities, homework, and studying. Pushing back school start times will benefit many students by improving their performance in school and athletics, enhancing their alertness and attention, restoring their mood and impulse control, reducing tardiness and dropout rates, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and decreasing consumption of caffeine drinks. Test scores can increase and accidents with teenage drivers can decrease if students get more sleep. School districts in this state and other states are beginning to push back school start times.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Olivia McAuliffe, student; Josh Lynch, student; Amy Pratt, student.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.