SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5265

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 21, 2019

Title: An act relating to encouraging the role of volunteerism within state government.

Brief Description: Concerning the role of volunteerism within state government.

Sponsors: Senators Zeiger, Hunt, Bailey and Hawkins.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/15/19, 2/21/19 [DPS, w/oRec].

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

  • Requires Serve Washington conduct a review of volunteer opportunities within state government and report to the Legislature by July 1, 2020.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5265 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Bailey, Hawkins and Takko.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Hasegawa.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

Background: Serve Washington, formerly the Washington Commission for National and Community Service, was established under Governor Executive Order 16-08 to:

Serve Washington is made up of 20 members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. The Office of Financial Management administers federal grants and provides state resources for staffing and supporting Serve Washington.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Serve Washington must conduct a review of volunteer opportunities within the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Washington Military Department, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, state mental hospital programs, state developmental disability programs, and state litter clean-up programs. The study must include:

A report of the information and findings from the review must be submitted to the Legislature by July 1, 2020.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute: PRO: It is important to get volunteers engaged in providing their talents to assist the state. There are currently a number of opportunities in our state to volunteer. This bill would task Serve Washington, our states Americorp affiliate, with looking at the existing benefits of volunteer opportunities and ways to promote them further. Backcountry Horsemen and other volunteer groups should also be included.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hans Zeiger, Prime Sponsor; Joyce Willms, Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.