SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 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 Passed Senate, March 12, 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: Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Zeiger, Hunt, Bailey and Hawkins).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/15/19, 2/21/19 [DPS, w/oRec].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 3/12/19, 48-0.
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill |
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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:
comply with federal requirements pertaining to state commissions on national and community service;
seek additional sources of non-federal funds, especially private funds, to meet matching requirements and build upon existing service initiatives;
provide recommendations to the Governor pertaining to legislative or policy initiatives that promote the ethic of service;
identify policies or practices that lead to the expansion of national service opportunities in Washington and support federal programs and efforts that expand national service; and
provide the leadership and vision to make service a part of the lives of all Washingtonians.
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 First Substitute Bill: 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:
evaluation of volunteer utilization;
cost and benefits of volunteer programs;
identification of any barriers to volunteerism and recommendations to remove barriers;
recommendations on ways the state can support agencies in growing volunteer programs that will supplement rather than replace or reduce staff or services; and
recommended methods for strengthening connections between state agency volunteer programs and the state's volunteer infrastructure.
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.