HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2023
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed House:
March 5, 2015
Title: An act relating to changing the deadline for notices of nonrenewal of contracts for certificated school employees.
Brief Description: Changing the deadline for notices of nonrenewal of contracts for certificated school employees.
Sponsors: Representatives Parker, Lytton, Magendanz, Riccelli, Ormsby, Fagan and Santos.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Education: 2/16/15, 2/19/15 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/15, 95-3.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Ortiz-Self, Vice Chair; Reykdal, Vice Chair; Magendanz, Ranking Minority Member; Muri, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Stambaugh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Caldier, Fagan, Gregory, Griffey, Hargrove, Hayes, S. Hunt, Kilduff, Klippert, Lytton, McCaslin, Orwall, Pollet and Springer.
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
Certificated employees of school districts and Educational Service Districts (ESDs) are employed under contracts that may be no more than one year in length. If the employing district determines that the employment contract should not be renewed for the following year, the district must notify the employee in writing on or before May 15 preceding the beginning of the next school year. This notice must occur regardless of the reason for the contract nonrenewal, including for reasons of enrollment decline or loss of revenue. If notice is not provided according to these requirements, the employee is presumed to have been re-employed under the same terms and conditions for the following year. The notice must be provided in person, sent by certified or registered mail, or delivered to the employee's home.
There is an exception to the May 15 notification deadline. If the omnibus appropriations act (ACT) has not passed the Legislature by May 15, then the employing district has until June 15 to provide the required notice of contract nonrenewal.
During odd-numbered years, the regular 105-day legislative session ends during the third week of April, generally around April 22 to April 25. During even-numbered years, the regular 60-day legislative session ends during the second week of March, generally around March 10 to March 14.
Summary of Bill:
School districts and the ESDs have until June 15 to send contract nonrenewal notices to certificated employees if the Act has not passed the Legislature by the end of the regular legislative session, rather than if the Act has not passed by May 15.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Even in short legislative sessions this bill would be helpful because school districts will not need to engage in a guessing game about whether the Act will pass. This bill provides certainty for school districts and employees.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.