BILL REQ. #:  H-4423.1 

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to creating the healthy student grant program; adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the health of students is at risk due to overconsumption of nonnutritious food, lack of understanding or interest in sound nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices, and insufficient exercise and physical activity. Schools attempt to provide information to students about these risks through classroom instruction in health and fitness courses and physical education, but students need the opportunity for learning activities in health, fitness, and nutrition that are informative, positive, engaging, and fun. In many communities around the state, community-based organizations, hospital foundations, public health agencies, and clinics can offer such programs in partnership with the schools.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall allocate funds on a competitive basis to support the healthy student grant program created in this section. Healthy student grants shall be used to develop and offer innovative and engaging instruction and activities in health, fitness, and nutrition. School districts, community-based organizations, hospitals, public health agencies, and other organizations may submit grant applications. An application by an organization other than a school district must have a school district partner and the school district shall act as the fiscal agent. On an annual basis, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall prepare a report on the activities supported by the grant program under this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act shall be known and cited as "the healthy student act."