HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1901

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 Reported by House Committee On:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology

Title: An act relating to recognizing the month of September as the month of the kindergartener.

Brief Description: Recognizing the month of September as the month of the kindergartener.

Sponsors: Representatives Griffey, MacEwen, Dent and Doglio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/10/17, 2/15/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Declares September as the month of the kindergartener.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Koster, Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin, Kraft and Pellicciotti.

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

The state common school system includes public educational programming for children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The school year generally begins in September and ends in June. Beginning in the 2008-09 school, the state began phasing in all-day kindergarten classes, starting with schools with a high percentage of low-income families. Full implementation is due in the 2017-18 school year.

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Summary of Bill:

September is declared the month of the kindergartener. Every elementary school is encouraged to celebrate the beginning of each kindergartener's life in education.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Celebrating kindergarteners at the beginning of the school year will help them prepare for school in a welcoming environment and will increase their chances to make friends. Schools may choose the kinds of celebrations they want to organize in observance of kindergartener month.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Griffey, prime sponsor; Ethan Roberts; Graysen Reveal; and Anthony Page.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.