Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
2SSB 5093
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: Creating the nuclear energy education program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Brown, Hewitt, Mullet and Sheldon).
Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/25/15
Staff: Nikkole Hughes (786-7156).
Background:
Washington State University Extension Energy Program.
The Washington State University Extension Energy Program (WSU Energy Program) is a self-supported department within the university that provides training and technical assistance through a variety of energy-related program areas. In 1996, all powers and duties of the Washington State Energy Office relating to implementing energy education, applied research, and technology transfer programs were transferred to the WSU Energy Program.
American Nuclear Society.
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) is a not-for-profit organization that provides information and performs communication outreach for the stated purpose of promoting awareness of the application of nuclear science and technology. The ANS has two local sections in Washington representing Puget Sound and Eastern Washington.
The ANS provides classroom resources and workshops for teachers interested in learning about nuclear science and technologies.
Summary of Bill:
Nuclear Energy Education Program.
A nuclear energy education program is established to provide students in grades 8 through 12 with the opportunity to participate in classroom presentations and instruction in the science and technology of nuclear energy. The program is to be administered by the WSU Energy Program. Under the nuclear energy education program, the WSU Energy Program shall award grants on a competitive basis to nuclear education ambassadors and to eligible science teachers attending qualified workshops on nuclear energy. The WSU Energy Program may consult with ANS or similar organizations when selecting applicants.
The WSU Energy Program may adopt rules to implement the nuclear energy education program. By December 15 of each year that grants are awarded, the WSU Energy Program must report to the Legislature the number and types of grants awarded and the amount of each grant.
Nuclear Education Ambassadors.
Priority for nuclear education ambassador grants must be given to applicants who demonstrate a matching donation from a private source in their application. In order to qualify for a grant under the nuclear energy education program, a nuclear energy ambassador must satisfy several criteria, including:
be a resident of Washington;
complete a background check; and
use materials prepared by the ANS or similar organizations when possible.
Nuclear education ambassadors are not employees or agents of the state or any of its political subdivisions. The nuclear energy education program does not create any civil liability on the part of the state or any of its political subdivisions, officers, employees, or agents for the actions taken by a nuclear education ambassador during the course of serving under the program.
Eligible Science Teachers and Workshops.
In order to receive a grant for science teachers, an eligible science teacher must be endorsed to teach at least one science class in grades 8 through 12 and be certified under Washington law.
A qualifying workshop for which a science teacher may receive a grant must be:
sponsored by a public Washington college or university or by a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory located in the state;
aimed toward science teachers in grades 8 through 12; and
designed to teach matters relating to nuclear sciences, including mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Program Funding and the Washington Nuclear Energy Education Account.
The nuclear energy education program must be funded by legislative appropriations and donated funds from private and public sources. The Washington Nuclear Energy Education Account is established in the state treasury for the deposit of any federal grants, legislative appropriations, and donated funds from private and public sources.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.