SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6186

BYSenators Bailey, Benitz, Saling, Johnson and Deccio

Requiring school districts to provide AIDS education in the schools.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 13, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6186 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Gaspard, Lee.

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

                  January 28, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Serious public health issues face society due to the effects of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS.  The AIDS- causing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, but can also be transmitted by introducing the virus into the bloodstream through use of shared hypodermic needles or by transfusion of contaminated blood.

Education about AIDS can assist in preventing further increase in the incidence of the disease.  More than 37,000 cases of AIDS have been reported nationally, with over 500 known cases in Washington.  Over half of those diagnosed have died.  By 1991, the U.S. Public Health Service projects that reported AIDS cases will reach 270,000.  Deaths will number 179,000 by that time, with more than 54,000 deaths in 1991 alone. 

The schools play a significant role in preparing young people for life both during the school experience and, later, as adults.  Students could be provided with age-appropriate and accurate information about AIDS which would assist them in developing attitudes and practices conducive to prevention and prepare them to make decisions to protect themselves from HIV infection.

School districts throughout the state are unique and each has distinct needs for an AIDS education program which could be met by locally-developed programs and policies which reflect community attitudes as determined by school directors, parents, students, teachers and administrators.

SUMMARY:

Each school board of directors is required to develop and adopt a written policy regarding the district's role and responsibility to provide age-appropriate education about acquired immune deficiency syndrome to students in the district.  The scope and content of the district's AIDS education program is to be determined in consultation with teachers, administrators, students, parents, and other community members. 

Model curriculum and other resources available from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction through the state clearinghouse for educational information may be reviewed by the district, in addition to locally-designed material, in developing the AIDS education program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The program of AIDS prevention education shall stress that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain means for preventing the spread or contraction of the disease through sexual contact.  School districts are required to notify parents and guardians that curriculum and materials are available for inspection and are required to hold at least one evening or weekend presentation one month prior to teaching about AIDS.  No student shall be required to participate in AIDS prevention education if the student's parents or guardian, having attended one of the district presentations, objects in writing to such participation.

Appropriation:    $25,000 to SPI to provide technical assistance to districts in developing AIDS education programs.

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Fisher, Washington Education Association; Judy Hartmann, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Cheryl Chow, OSPI; Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators; Ann Olson, Washington State PTA