HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  1511

Title:  An act relating to city or town school districts.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to city or town school districts.

Sponsors:  Representatives Haigh, Talcott, Quall, Stensen, Campbell and Bush.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 8, 1999.

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

Background:  The Legislature enacted the Acity or town districts@ statute in 1909,  ensuring that each city or town is served by a single school district.  Over the years, the Legislature has added several procedural requirements to change school district boundaries in response to city or town boundary changes.  Some procedures apply to both cities and towns; others apply to towns only.  The Legislature created regional committees in each educational service district to review proposals on school district boundary changes.  When a regional committee approves a proposal, it goes to the State Board of Education for consideration.

Summary of Bill:  The statute is repealed that requires each city or town be served by a single school district and provides procedures for modifying school district boundaries when city or town boundaries are changed.  Proposals to modify a school district boundary when a city or town changes its boundary will be dealt with under procedures in current law dealing with school boundary changes generally.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

  Rulemaking Authority:  None specified.