HOUSE BILL REPORT

HJM 4011

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 Passed House:

March 6, 2017

Brief Description: Requesting that the United States Coast Guard name a Coast Guard cutter in honor of Petty Officer Matthew E. Schlimme.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Chapman, Lovick, J. Walsh, Kilduff, Tharinger and Muri.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 2/16/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/6/17, 98-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requests the United States Coast Guard to name a Coast Guard cutter in honor of Petty Officer Schlimme.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; McCabe, Ranking Minority Member; Barkis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jenkin, Reeves and Sawyer.

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Matthew E. Schlimme served as a Machinery Technician Third Class in the United States Coast Guard from 1993 until his death in 1997. He was stationed in New Jersey, Iowa, and La Push, Washington. He died on February 12, 1997, while participating in a rescue operation near the mouth of the Quillayute River. Petty Officer Schlimme was awarded the Coast Guard Medal posthumously.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature requests the United States Coast Guard to name a Coast Guard cutter in honor of Petty Officer Schlimme.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Matthew was a remarkable young man. He died in a heroic act attempting to save shipwrecked sailors in distress near the mouth of the Quillayute River. The Coast Guard is currently building a new cutter fleet, and naming one after Matthew would be a fitting honor to his memory.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; and Paul Lassila.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.