HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5805

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 History:

Committee Activity:

Education: 3/17/15, 3/26/15 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Includes statewide dispute resolution organizations in the organizations that develop volunteer-based conflict resolution and mediation program.
Requires that the program must use certified mediators as trainers.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 20 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, McCaslin, Orwall, Pollet and Springer.

Background:

In 1994 the Legislature passed a bill enacting programs to reduce youth violence, including requiring the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to make a conflict resolution curricular and training resources guide available to districts, schools, staff, and parents and to train school and district staff in conflict resolution.

In addition, the bill required the SPI and the Office of the Attorney General, in cooperation with the Washington State Bar Association, to develop a volunteer-based conflict resolution and mediation program for use in community groups such as neighborhood organizations and the public schools. This program must use lawyers to train students who in turn become trainers and mediators for their peers in conflict resolution.

Summary of Bill:

Statewide dispute resolution organizations must be included in the organizations that develop the volunteer-based conflict resolution and mediation program. In addition, the program must also use certified mediators, in addition to lawyers, to train students.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill provides another avenue for individuals to be trained in conflict resolution. Students and adults benefit from sound conflict resolution skills. This bill just ensures there are multiple delivery mechanisms for this training. County conflict resolution centers often work with schools. The conflict resolution centers work together so that there is a comprehensive program across the state. Dispute resolution centers teach positive conflict resolution. Most problems are solved through a positive approach to conflict. These centers also teach how to resolve interpersonal conflict without fighting or bullying. These skills allow people to have better relationships, be better leaders, be better parents, and be better citizens.

(Opposed) None.