HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5678

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                      State Government

Title:  An act relating to a day of commemoration for the national guard.

Brief Description:  Creating Washington national guard day.

Sponsor(s):  Senators Thorsness, Madsen, Rasmussen, Hayner, Newhouse, Erwin, A. Smith, L. Kreidler, Williams, Saling, Cantu, Sutherland, Owen, Johnson and Oke.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

State Government, April 2, 1991, DPA.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Anderson, Chair; Pruitt, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Minority Member; Bowman, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; R. Fisher; Grant; Moyer; O'Brien; and Sheldon.

Staff:  Linda May (786-7135).

Background:  The Washington National Guard is composed of two branches, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.  Members of the National Guard may be called to active duty as part of U.S. military forces.  Additionally, the Washington National Guard responds within the state to render assistance in times of natural disasters and public emergencies.

Summary of Amended Bill:  January 26th of each year is designated as Washington Army and Air National Guard Day.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The amended bill places National Guard Day with other recognition days, rather than in a different part of the RCW.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill recognizes the support Guard members provide to the state and to the nation.  It is an award and recognition for the Guard's efforts in war and in peacetime.  The Reserve and the Guard are good investments.  January 26 marks the day the Guard was established as a state militia.  A recognition day is a way to honor and thank Guard members for their time and effort.  It is important to maintain the strength of the Guard; a big thank-you like this may encourage Guard members to stay in service.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Senator Thorsness; Maureen Flak, National Guard Association; and Kevin Ryan, Military Department (all in favor).