SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6626

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 of February 5, 2020

Title: An act relating to creating the position of military spouse liaison.

Brief Description: Creating the position of military spouse liaison.

Sponsors: Senators Conway, O'Ban, Hunt, Zeiger, Hobbs, Becker, Randall, Short, Brown and Wagoner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/05/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates the position of military spouse liaison in the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is a state agency created in 1975. DVA's powers and duties include cooperating with local governments and the federal government, particularly regarding participation in federal grants-in-aid programs relating to veterans and veterans affairs. DVA provides many services to veterans and their families, including medical care, assistance with claims for benefits, estate management, counseling, and financial assistance. DVA assists veterans with education, training, and employment.

Summary of Bill: The position of military spouse liaison (liaison) is created within DVA. The liaison's duties include, but are not limited to:

The liaison is encouraged to periodically report to the relevant committees of the Legislature and participate in policy development related to military spouses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2020.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We have done a great job of supporting our active and retired military service members, but we have overlooked military spouses. Military spouse employment is a multi-faceted issue with no one solution. The lack of affordable, quality child care acutely affects military communities because the private market takes advantage of scarcity. The military spouse community ranges from 15 to 30 percent unemployment, which leads to depression: military-dependent spouses and children commit 100 suicides per year.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Conway, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: PRO: Tanja Struyck-Fogleman, citizen; Jamie Lynn Blum, citizen; Alfie Alvarado, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs; Annika Trabucco, citizen; Ashlee Delaney, military spouse.