SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2266

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 15, 2018

Title: An act relating to clarifying the nature of the driver training education curriculum developed and maintained by the department of licensing and the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Brief Description: Clarifying the nature of the driver training education curriculum developed and maintained by the department of licensing and the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Kilduff, Muri, Young, Appleton and Harris.

Brief History: Passed House: 1/31/18, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/15/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

Clarifies that the driver training education curriculum developed and maintained by the Department of Licensing (DOL) and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the core curriculum for driver training education courses.
Requires any supplemental curriculum used by a private driver training school to be displayed with the required core curriculum at the school's established place of business.
Incorporates approved private schools to the definition of traffic safety education program.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: Driver Training Education. In 2017, the Legislature enacted legislation which required DOL and OSPI to jointly develop and maintain a curriculum for school districts, approved private schools, and private driver training schools operating a traffic safety education program. This curriculum must be prepared by August 1, 2018, and must be developed in consultation with Central Washington University traffic safety instructors or program content developers.

Any school district or approved private school that offers driver training education courses must certify to DOL that:

the district or school is operating a driver training education program;
the driver training education course follows the curriculum set by OSPI and DOL, meets course delivery standards—set by OSPI, and that a compliant record retention policy is in place; and
the district or school has verified that all instructors are authorized by the superintendent to teach a driver training education course.

In addition to the required curriculum, private driver training education schools may use a supplemental curriculum.

Summary of Bill: The curriculum developed jointly by DOL and OSPI is designated as the core curriculum for driver training education courses.

Private driver training schools must display a copy of the required core curriculum, and must also display a copy of any supplemental curriculum in use by the school. These curricula must be displayed in a place where they can be seen by all clients.

The definition of traffic safety education program is modified to include approved private schools.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2018.