SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6069

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Education, March 5, 2001

Title:  An act relating to school building rehabilitation or restoration.

Brief Description:  Authorizing allotment of state funds for rehabilitating or restoring an existing school building listed or eligible to be listed as an historic property.

Sponsors:  Senators Regala, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Winsley and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/28/01, 3/5/01 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6069 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Carlson, Finkbeiner, Hewitt, Johnson, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Prentice, Rasmussen, Regala and Zarelli.

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786‑7403)

Background:  The public school construction funding system in Washington contains both a state and local component.  Local districts must first decide which projects need to be completed and then may apply for state matching funds to assist with the projects= costs.  The state program is structured to help districts with construction costs by providing matching funds according to a formula designed to equalize the financial burden regardless of variations in wealth among districts.

The current school construction state assistance formula is neutral regarding restoring historic school buildings compared to replacement with new facilities.  However, prior to seeking state funds, local school districts must conduct a cost/benefit analysis on the need to modernize and/or replace existing facilities in order to meet current educational needs.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  School districts may consider, when determining the total cost of a proposed construction project, the cost of rehabilitating or restoring an existing school building listed or eligible to be listed as an historic property.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Historic school buildings are often beautiful facilities with much to offer to the neighborhoods in which they are located.  School districts should be encouraged to maintain such historic school buildings.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Regala, prime sponsor.