SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2735

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                               FEBRUARY 25, 1992

Brief Description:  Enhancing the duties of the center for voluntary action, which is renamed the center for volunteerism and citizen service act.

SPONSORS: House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Ogden, Wood, Pruitt, Dellwo, Paris, Winsley, R. King, O'Brien, Ludwig, Jacobsen, Ferguson, Sheldon, Brekke and Anderson; by request of Department of Community Development)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Matson, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Barbara Howard (786‑7410)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1982, the Legislature passed the Center for Voluntary Action Act.  In so doing, the Legislature expressed an intent to ensure that the state of Washington makes every appropriate effort to encourage citizens to be volunteers.  The Legislature authorized establishment of a statewide Center for Voluntary Action within the Department of Community Development (DCD).  The center's major task is to work in cooperation with individuals, local groups, and organizations throughout the state to further volunteer efforts.  The Washington State Council on Voluntary Action was created to assist the Governor and the center in furthering volunteer efforts.

It has been suggested that the legislation should be refined to conform to the National and Community Service Act of 1990.

SUMMARY:

The bill reworks the intent section prefacing the Legislature's enactment of the act.  The name of the center is changed to the Center for Volunteerism and Citizen Service.  The name of the council is changed to the Washington State Council on Volunteerism and Citizen Service.  The upper limit on council membership is increased from 21 to 25 members, and the Governor is directed to consider a number of factors when making appointments to the council.  Both the center and the council are given the new duty of seeking additional funding sources to support, promote, and enhance the ethic of citizen service throughout the state.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Washington has been a leader in voluntary action, and we wish to maintain that status.  We want to send a clear message to the federal government that we are fully prepared and eager to take advantage of the new program.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Joby Winans, Department of Community Development (pro); Carol Marble, Chair, State Council for Voluntary Action (pro)