FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1250
C 213 L 21
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Designating Washington a purple heart state.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Ryu, Boehnke, Dufault and Riccelli).
House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations
Senate Committee on State Government & Elections
Background:

The Purple Heart Medal.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the United States military.  There are several ways in which recipients of the Purple Heart are remembered.  For example, the Purple Heart Trail, a national system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments designated by signs placed along the trail, was established in 1992 to honor the men and women who have received the Purple Heart.  Washington designated the portion of Interstate 5 from the Canadian border to the Oregon state line as part of the Purple Heart Trail.  In addition, multiple counties, cities, and locations in the state recognize portions of the transportation system as part of the Purple Heart Trail.  The state also celebrates August 7 as Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day as well as offers a distinctive license plate for Purple Heart recipients.  
 
Motorist Informational Signs.
The Department of Transportation is authorized to erect and maintain motorist information sign panels within the right-of-way of the interstate highway system to give the traveling public specific information as to gas, food, lodging, camping, or tourist-oriented businesses available on a crossroad at or near an interchange.

Summary:

Washington is designated a Purple Heart State that honors people who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
 
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), any state military and military affairs agencies, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are authorized to erect signs recognizing that Washington is a Purple Heart State and accept gifts or donations to assist efforts related to Washington being a Purple Heart State.  The DOT may specifically erect the signs as part of the transportation system, especially at entry points to the state.
 
The Military Department Purple Heart State Account, the DVA Purple Heart State Account, and the DOT Purple Heart State Account are each created as nonappropriated accounts in the custody of the State Treasurer.  Gifts and donations received by the specified agencies for the purpose of this act must be deposited into their respective account.

Votes on Final Passage:
House 96 0
Senate 49 0
Effective:

July 25, 2021