HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 SSB 5133

Title:  An act relating to censorship by school districts.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting censorship of United States and Washington history.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Zarelli and Schow).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  April 3, 1997.

Staff Contact:  Joe Hauth (786-7111).

Background:  Schools must provide instruction in the history of the United States.  In fulfilling high school graduation requirements, public and private high school students must study the United States Constitution and the Washington State Constitution.

Summary of Bill:  School boards must not censor any document, writing, speech or record related to the founding of the United States or the state of Washington because of religious references contained in the document, writing, speech or record.  School boards must allow teachers to read or post such documents in a public school classroom.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.