Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee

SB 5020

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: Concerning certain state ethnic and cultural diversity commissions.

Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Hunt, Keiser and Chase.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Washington State Commission on African-American Affairs and the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to advise the Legislature on issues of concern to their ethnic communities.

  • Modifies the sunset provision pertaining to the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

Hearing Date: 2/21/18

Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).

Background:

The Washington State Commission on African-American Affairs (CAA), the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA), and the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (APAA) consists of membership appointed by the Governor. Each have similar powers and duties, such as examining and defining issues pertaining to the rights and special needs of their respective ethnic communities, making recommendations to the Governor and state agencies on programs and laws, and advising the Governor or agencies on the development of policies and programs that relate to the needs of their respective ethnic communities. The CHA also advises the Legislature on issues of concern to the Hispanic Community. The CAA must act in concert with the Governor to advise the Legislature on issues of concern to the African-American community.

The CHA is subject to a sunset provision. It must be terminated on June 30, 2021, and the relevant statutory provisions must be repealed on June 30, 2022.

Summary of Bill:

The APAA must also advise the Legislature on issues of concern to the Asian Pacific American community. In addition to its duty to advise the Legislature on issues of concern to the African-American Community acting in concert with the Governor, the CAA must also advise the Legislature on issues of concern to the African-American community.

The scheduled repeal of the underlying statues relating to the CHA set for June 30, 2022, is repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.