S-0952.1                   _______________________________________________

                                                     SENATE BILL 5479

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State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

By Senators Fraser, Deccio, Talmadge, Moyer, Franklin, M. Rasmussen and Oke

Read first time 01/29/93.  Referred to Committee on Health & Human Services.

Declaring Washington state children's day.

          AN ACT Relating to Washington state children's day; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that Washington's children are one of our most valuable assets, representing hope for the future.  Children today are at risk for many things, including drug and alcohol abuse, assault, suicide, peer pressure, and the economic and educational challenges of a changing world.  It is increasingly important for families, schools, health professionals, caregivers, and workers at state agencies charged with the protection and help of children to listen to them, to support and encourage them, and to help them build their dreams for the future.

          To increase recognition of children's issues, a national children's day is celebrated in October, with ceremonies and activities devoted to children.  Washington state focuses special attention on its children by establishing a Washington state children's day.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW to read as follows:

          The legislature declares that the second Sunday in October be recognized as Washington state children's day but shall not be considered a legal holiday for any purposes.

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