BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to the state commission on Hispanic affairs; amending RCW 43.115.010, 43.115.020, 43.115.030, 43.115.060, 43.131.341, and 43.131.342; adding a new section to chapter 43.115 RCW; and repealing RCW 43.115.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 43.115.010 and 1987 c 249 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature declares that the public policy of this state is to insure equal opportunity for all of its citizens. ((The legislature finds that Hispanics have unique and special problems. It is the purpose of this chapter to improve the well-being of Hispanics by insuring their participation in the fields of government, business, and education. The legislature further finds that it is necessary to aid Hispanics in obtaining governmental services in order to promote the health, safety and welfare of all the residents of this state.)) The legislature believes that it is the duty of the state to improve the well-being of Hispanic-Americans by enabling them to participate fully in all fields of endeavor and assisting them in obtaining governmental services. The legislature further finds that the development of public policy and the delivery of governmental services to meet the special needs of Hispanic-Americans can be improved by establishing a focal point in state government for the interests of Hispanic-Americans. Therefore the legislature deems it necessary to create a commission to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 2. RCW 43.115.020 and 1987 c 249 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

There is created a Washington state commission on ((~~Hispanic~~)) Hispanic-American affairs.

Sec. 3. RCW 43.115.030 and 1987 c 249 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The commission shall consist of eleven members of Hispanic origin appointed by the governor. ((~~The membership shall include:~~

~~(a) Two members from workers in the agricultural field;~~

~~(b) Three members from the general populace of Hispanics, but not of Mexican-American origin;~~

~~(c) One member from the field of education;~~

~~(d) One member who is a professional from the business community, government employment, or public service;~~

~~(e) One member from among elected trade union officials; and~~

~~(f) Three members from the Mexican-American community in the state.~~

~~(2) Members shall serve for four-year terms and until their successors are chosen and qualified.~~)) To the extent practicable, appointments to the commission shall be made to achieve a balanced representation based on Hispanic-American population distribution within the state, geographic considerations, sex, age, and occupation. Members shall serve three-year terms. No member shall serve more than two full consecutive terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

((~~(3)~~)) (2) Members shall receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended.

((~~(4)~~)) (3) Six members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.115 RCW to read as follows:

The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) Examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Hispanic-Americans, and make recommendations to the governor and state agencies for changes in programs and laws.

(2) Advise the governor and state agencies on the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs that relate to the special needs of Hispanic-Americans.

(3) Advise the legislature on issues of concern to the Hispanic- American community.

(4) Establish relationships with state agencies, local governments, and private sector organizations that promote equal opportunity and benefits for Hispanic-Americans.

(5) Receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources that are made for the use or benefit of the commission and expend, without appropriation, the same or any income from the gifts, grants, or endowments according to their terms.

Sec. 5. RCW 43.115.060 and 1987 c 249 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

In carrying out its duties the commission may establish such relationships with local governments and private industry as may be needed to promote equal opportunity for ((~~Hispanics~~)) Hispanic-Americans in government, education, and employment.

Sec. 6. RCW 43.131.341 and 1987 c 249 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington state commission on ((~~Hispanic~~)) Hispanic-American affairs and its powers and duties shall be terminated on June 30, ((~~1996~~)) 2021, as provided in RCW 43.131.342.

Sec. 7. RCW 43.131.342 and 1987 c 249 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective June 30, ((~~1997~~)) 2022:

(1) Section 1, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 1, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.010;

(2) Section 2, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 2, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.020;

(3) Section 3, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 130, chapter 34, Laws of 1975-'76 2nd ex. sess., section 15, chapter 338, Laws of 1981, section 3, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.030;

(4) Section 4, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 4, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.040;

(5) Section 5, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 5, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.050;

(6) Section 6, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess., section 6, chapter 249, Laws of 1987 and RCW 43.115.060; and

(7) Section 7, chapter 34, Laws of 1971 ex. sess. and RCW 43.115.900.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. RCW 43.115.050 and 1987 c 249 s 5 & 1971 ex.s. c 34 s 5 are each repealed.