Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 2183
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning a curriculum for the prevention of sexual abuse for grades K-12.
Sponsors: Representatives McCabe, Orwall, Dent, Senn, Caldier, Johnson, Fagan, Parker, Kagi, Gregerson and Santos.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/16
Staff: Ashley Fisher (786-7296).
Background:
Child Sexual Abuse in Washington.
In 2015, Washington Child Protective Services received reports screened in for investigation that alleged the sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, or both, of 2,603 children. Most sexual assaults are unreported. Youth victimization has been linked with mental health problems and delinquent behavior.
The Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction (OSPI) website includes information about laws related to sex offenses; how to recognize behaviors characteristic of sex offenses and sex offenders; how to prevent victimization, particularly of young children; how to take advantage of community resources for victims of sexual assault; and how to prevent children from being recruited into sex trafficking. The information is intended for educators, parents, and interested community members.
Erin's Laws.
Twenty-six states have enacted Erin's laws. Named after child sexual abuse survivor and activist Erin Merryn, the legislation in these states requires the study or development of age-appropriate child sexual abuse identification and prevention.
Summary of Bill:
An Erin's Law Task Force (task force) is established for the purpose of creating and implementing a prevention of sexual abuse curriculum for students in grades K-12 (model curriculum). The task force must choose or develop the model curriculum and make recommendations to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2016. The curriculum must be evidenced based, age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and include a professional training component for educators. The OSPI must make the model curriculum available on its website.
Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, school districts are required to implement a prevention of sexual abuse curriculum for students in grades K-12. School districts must provide the parents or guardians of each student with written notice of the opportunity to opt out of the curriculum.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.