Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Government Operations & Elections Committee |
HB 1319
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 a welcome home Vietnam veterans day.
Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, McCoy, Ross, Hunt, Rodne, Orwall, Green, Jinkins, Upthegrove, Chandler, Orcutt, Pedersen, Vick, Roberts, Alexander, Klippert, Holy, Short, Morrell, Smith, Buys, Kochmar, Liias, Moeller, Appleton, Angel, Zeiger, O'Ban, Wilcox, Hurst, Van De Wege, Shea, Fagan, Bergquist, Moscoso, Tarleton, Freeman and Fey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/13
Staff: Jasmine Vasavada (786-7301).
Background:
A variety of dates are specially recognized in Washington, without being considered legal holidays. For example, August 7 is recognized as Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day and December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
POW/MIA Flag
On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the League’s POW/MIA flag and designated it "as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."
Public entities are required to display the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag on the following days:
Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May);
Memorial Day (last Monday in May);
Flag Day (June 14);
Independence Day (July 4);
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27);
National POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September); and
Veterans' Day (November 11).
Summary of Bill:
March 30 is recognized as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Public entities must fly the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag on that date, but it is not recognized as a legal holiday for any other purpose.
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.