SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5334

BYSenators Bauer, Conner, Stratton, Kiskaddon, Owen, Warnke, McCaslin, Metcalf, Benitz and Nelson

Authorizing the transportation of private school students on public school buses.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1987; March 2, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5334 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Benitz, Smitherman, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 the Legislature authorized school districts to allow children attending approved private schools to ride public school buses to and from school.  The following three conditions must be met in providing such transportation:

      1.School boards are not required to alter bus routes or stops established for public school students;

      2.Private school students are allowed to ride on a seat-available basis only; and

      3.School boards must charge a fee to reimburse the district for the actual per seat cost of providing transportation to private school students.

SUMMARY:

School districts are required to authorize private school students to ride a school bus to and from school.  Districts are not required to alter the bus routes or stops established for transporting public school students.  Private school students are allowed to ride on a seat-available basis only.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

School districts are required to consider and may approve requests for private school students to ride a school bus to and from school.  Conditions for providing transportation are not changed from existing law.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Carl Fynboe, President, Washington Federation of Independent Schools