HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5191

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Warnke)

Redesignating the commission on Mexican-American affairs.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Peery, Vice Chair; Baugher, Chandler, Hankins, O'Brien, Sayan and Taylor.

House Staff:Pam Madson (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Commission on Mexican-American Affairs was established in 1971 to address the unique problems of the Mexican-American and Spanish speaking populations.  The commission also assists these groups in obtaining governmental services and ensuring their participation in business, government and education.

The commission, consisting of eleven members appointed by the governor, includes:  (1) two members representing agricultural field workers; (2) two members from the Spanish-speaking population; (3) one member each from education, professional services, and elected trade union officials; and (4) four members from the Mexican-American community.

SUMMARY:

The Commission on Mexican-American Affairs is redesignated the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.  Statutory references to Mexican-American and Spanish-speaking Americans are changed to Hispanics.

The commission remains at eleven members, all of Hispanic origin, but the designation of members is changed as follows:  three members from the Hispanic population but not of Mexican-American origin; one member who is a professional from business, government or public service; three members from the Mexican-American community.

The executive secretary is redesignated director.

The commission is scheduled to sunset in 1996.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Hector Gonzalez, Commission on Mexican-American Affairs.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The redesignation of membership and the commission name change make the commission more reflective of the non-Mexican Hispanic population of the state.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.