HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 SSB  5212

Title:  An act relating to school safety plans.

 

Brief Description:  Providing for school safety plans.

 

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Eide, Winsley, Thibaudeau, Franklin, Rasmussen and Costa).

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

 

Meeting Date:  March 18, 1999.

 

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

 

Background:  The State Board of Education, as directed by statute, has issued rules requiring local school boards and governing bodies of private schools to develop and practice plans to evacuate school buildings in case of a sudden emergency.  These plans are to be taught periodically to all school personnel and practiced as frequently as may be necessary.

 

Under current law, the state Military Department is responsible for comprehensive emergency management.  This entails the preparation and imple­mentation of all civilian emergency functions, including responding to disasters.

 

Summary of Bill:   The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Washington State Patrol and the State Military Department. must adopt rules directing school districts to develop, manage and evaluate site-based plans to deal with emergency conditions or a crises, including a natural disaster or violent act.  The plant must be update at least once every five years.  In addition, the State Board is required to develop standards for emergency plans, which must include who to contact in an emergency, evacuation procedures; procedures for responding to emergencies; and procedures for training students and certificated and classified staff.

 

A program of school safety grants is created to be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The safety grants are used by school districts to (1) update and develop emergency plans for every school, (2) train staff in implementing the plans, (3) acquire materials, and (4) practice the plans.  The safety grant program expires June 30, 2003.

 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 10, 1999.

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