SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1034
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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to rental or lease of armories.
Brief Description: Concerning rental or lease of armories.
Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Moeller, Kelley, Hurst, Miloscia, Hunt, Appleton and Chase; by request of Washington Military Department.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/26/09, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/16/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott and Pridemore.
Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)
Background: The Military Department (MD) manages 33 readiness centers, also known as armories, throughout the state. The National Guard (NG) utilizes armories when conducting training. An organization may, at the Adjutant General's discretion, use armories for its community activities when the activities do not impair the NG's mission, the activities meet MD regulations, and the organization pays a fixed rental charge. Currently, armory use is limited to casual civic purposes, amateur and professional sports, and theatrical events.
Revenue from the rental of armories is deposited into accounts for each particular armory. The monies from these accounts are used specifically for the maintenance and upgrade costs or to purchase goods and services such as chairs, televisions, and janitorial services, which are made available for public use.
Summary of Bill: Armories may be rented for public and private use. The Adjutant General determines the rental charge for each armory.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The rental charge for using an armory is nominal; it only covers the cost of utilities and maintenance during the rental period. The Attorney General is concerned that current statutory language restricts armory use to events that are open to the entire public. Hence, we cannot technically make it available for private uses like family reunions or wedding receptions. This bill will broaden the use of armories to make them more like community centers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Major General Timothy Lowenberg, Washington Military Department.