HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1168

Title:  Relating to school safety.

Brief Description:  Promoting school safety.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooper, Radcliff, Quall, Talcott, Constantine, Cairnes, O=Brien, Reardon, Linville, Morris, D. Schmidt, McDonald, Poulsen, Kenney, Campbell, Conway, Rockefeller and Keiser.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 25, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by:   Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  Current law makes it a gross misdemeanor for someone to refuse to leave public school grounds when ordered to do so by a school official based on the school official=s belief the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is interfering with a school function, or is causing or threatens to cause a disturbance.  Law enforcement officials typically have discretion in carrying out their duties.

Summary of Bill:  A police officer must arrest without a warrant anyone the officer has probable cause to believe has wilfully refused to obey a valid order by a school official to leave school grounds because the school official believes the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is interfering with a school function, or is causing or threatens to cause a disturbance.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 19, 1999.

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

  Rulemaking Authority:  None specified.