ENGROSSED
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1631
_______________________________________________
Passed
Legislature - 1992 Regular Session
State
of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
Read
first time March 6, 1991. Establishing in
statute the commission on African-American affairs.
AN ACT
Relating to the commission on African-American affairs; and adding a new
chapter to Title 43 RCW.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 1. The
legislature declares that it is the public policy of this state to insure equal
opportunity for all of its citizens. The legislature finds that, for economic,
social, and historical reasons, a disproportionate number of African-Americans
find themselves disadvantaged or isolated from the benefits of equal
opportunity. The legislature believes that it is the duty of this state to
improve the well-being of African-Americans by enabling them to participate
fully in all fields of endeavor and by assisting them in obtaining governmental
services. The legislature further finds that the development of public policy
and the delivery of governmental services to meet the special needs of
African-Americans can be improved by establishing a focal point in state government
for the interests of African-American citizens. Therefore, the legislature
deems it necessary to establish in statute the commission on African-American
affairs to further these purposes.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 2. The Washington
state commission on African-American affairs is created. The commission shall
be administered by an executive director, who shall be appointed by, and serve
at the pleasure of, the governor. The governor shall set the salary of the
executive director. The executive director shall employ the staff of the
commission.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 3. The
commission shall consist of nine members, appointed by the governor. The
commission shall make recommendations to the governor on appointment of the
chair of the commission. The governor shall appoint the chair of the
commission. To the extent practicable, appointments to the commission shall be
made to achieve a balanced representation based on African-American population
distribution within the state, geographic considerations, sex, age, and
occupation. Members shall serve three-year terms. However, of the initial
appointees, one-third shall serve three-year terms, one-third shall serve
two-year terms, and one-third shall serve a one-year term. In the case of a
vacancy, appointment shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term. No
member shall serve more than two full consecutive terms. Members shall be
reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in
accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Five members shall constitute a
quorum for the purposes of conducting business.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 4. The
commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)
Examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of
African-Americans, and make recommendations to the governor and state agencies
for changes in programs and laws.
(2)
Advise the governor and state agencies on the development and implementation of
policies, plans, and programs that relate to the special needs of
African-Americans.
(3)
Acting in concert with the governor, advise the legislature on issues of
concern to the African-American community.
(4)
Establish relationships with state agencies, local governments, and private
sector organizations that promote equal opportunity and benefits for
African-Americans.
(5)
Receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources that are
made for the use or benefit of the commission and expend, without
appropriation, the same or any income from the gifts, grants, or endowments
according to their terms.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections
1 through 4 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.
