Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 2552

Brief Description:  Allowing the school district capital projects fund to provide for costs associated with implementing technology systems.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fromhold, Talcott, Quall, Anderson, Armstrong, Ogden, Lantz, Edwards, Haigh, McIntire, Schual‑Berke, Hunt and Santos.

Hearing Date:  2/5/02

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background:

By law, school districts must establish a capital projects fund for major capital purposes.  Money in the fund may come from a variety of sources, including bond proceeds, money from excess levies, a portion of state basic education dollars, rental and lease dollars, money from the sale of real property, and earnings from capital project fund investments.

Expenditures from the capital projects fund are restricted by law, including restrictions that vary by the source of the money in the fund.  Money in the fund that comes from sources other than bond sales and the rental, lease, or sale of property may be used for a variety of purposes described in law.  These include the renovation or replacement of facilities and the renovation or rehabilitation of playfields, athletic fields, and other district property.  The money may also be used for energy audits, cost‑effective energy conservation measures, and for the purchase or installation of equipment and furniture.  Vehicles cannot be acquired through these funds.

Summary of Bill:

Money in each district's capital projects fund that is acquired from sources other than bond sales and the rental, lease, or sale of property may be used for certain technology expenses.  The expenses include the costs associated with the implementation of technology systems, facilities, and projects.  Allowable expenses include the costs associated with the acquisition of hardware, licensing software, and on‑line applications and training if the software and applications are an integral part of the project.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on 1/30/02.

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