Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans Committee
HB 1997
Brief Description: Concerning gubernatorial appointments for the state parks and recreation commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Leavitt, Reed, Kloba, Reeves, Pollet and Davis; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires that the Governor strive to appoint citizens to the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) who represent the diversity of Washington, who are from different regions of the state, and to include citizens with a variety of gender, ethnic, racial, tribal, and other lived experiences in Washington. 
  • Limits individuals with elective or full-time appointive tribal offices from service on the Commission.
Hearing Date: 1/17/24
Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).
Background:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) controls and supervises more than 140 state parks throughout Washington.  The Commission is made up of seven Washington citizens.  Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and serve six-year terms.  When making Commission appointments, the Governor is required to choose individuals who understand parks and recreation needs and interests.  Individuals who hold elective or full-time appointive state, county, or municipal offices should not serve on the Commission.
Summary of Bill:

Three criteria are added for the Governor to consider when making appointments to the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission).  The Governor should strive to choose citizens:

  • who are representative of the diversity of Washington;
  • who are from different regions of Washington; and
  • that include a variety of gender, ethnic, racial, tribal, and other lived experiences in Washington.

 

Individuals who hold any elective or full-time appointive tribal office should not serve on the Commission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.