Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee

HB 2976

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 Description: Recognizing the fourth Saturday of September as public lands day.

Sponsors: Representative Peterson.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Recognizes the fourth Saturday in September as Public Lands Day.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).

Background:

Washington recognizes 10 specific days and all Sundays as state legal holidays. Another 13 specific days are recognized by the Legislature, but not considered legal holidays. These other recognized days include Korean-American Day, Columbus Day, Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, Washington Army and Air National Guard Day, Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day, Children's Day, Mother Joseph Day, Marcus Whitman Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance, Juneteenth, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Washington's public lands are an integral part of the state's economy, bringing in revenue from outdoor recreation, working forests, aquatic lands, and other resources. Washington's public lands also contribute to the quality of life in the state. The National Environmental Education Foundation and the U.S. Department of the Interior recognize the fourth Saturday in September as National Public Lands Day.

Summary of Bill:

The last Saturday in September is recognized by the Legislature as Public Lands Day.

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.