Z-0871

AN ACT Relating to the creation of a commission on African-American affairs; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature declares that the public policy of this state is to ensure equal opportunity for all of its citizens. The legislature finds that African-Americans have unique and special problems. It is the purpose of this act to improve the well-being of African-Americans by ensuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, law, and other areas. The legislature is particularly concerned with the plight of those African-Americans who, for economic or social reasons, find themselves disadvantaged or isolated from the benefits of equal opportunity. The legislature further finds that it is necessary to aid African-Americans in obtaining governmental services to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all residents of this state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. There is established a Washington state commission on African-American affairs in the office of the governor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be designated by the governor as chairperson of the commission. In making appointments, the governor shall give due consideration to recommendations submitted by local communities and the commission. The governor shall consider nominations for membership based upon maintaining a balanced distribution of geographic, sex, age, and occupational representation, where practicable.

(2) Appointments shall be for three years, except in the case of a vacancy the appointment shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term for which the vacancy occurs. The members shall hold office commencing July 1, 1991. Of the initial appointees, three shall serve three-year terms, three shall serve two-year terms, and three shall serve a one-year term.

(3) Members shall receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(4) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The commission shall:

(a) Elect officers necessary to form an executive committee;

(b) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW;

(c) Meet at the call of the chair or the call of a majority of its members, but in no case less often than once during every three-month period; and

(d) Be authorized to appoint citizen task forces as it deems appropriate.

(2) The governor shall appoint an executive director who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The executive director shall employ a staff, who shall be state employees under Title 41 RCW, and prescribe their duties as necessary to implement the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) The commission shall examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of African-Americans, and make recommendations to the governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law, especially in the areas of education, employment, economic development, and health care.

(2) The commission shall further maintain a liaison between the African-American community and government entities and advise the legislature and state agencies on the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies, plans, and programs focusing on the unique problems and needs of African-Americans.

(3) The commission shall further develop and maintain a continuous dialogue with African-American citizens throughout the state of Washington.

(4) The commission shall submit to the governor, not less often than once each year, a report delineating the issues and concerns of African-Americans in the state of Washington and the programs, projects, and activities that the commission is undertaking regarding those issues.

(5) Each state department and agency shall provide appropriate and reasonable assistance to the commission as needed in order that the commission may carry out the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. In carrying out its duties, the commission may establish relationships with local governments and private industry as needed to promote equal opportunity and benefits to African-Americans in government, education, economic development, employment, and services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The commission shall have authority to receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources as may be made from time to time or otherwise for the use and benefit of the purposes of the commission and to expend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of said gifts, grants, or endowments.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. This act shall expire on June 30, 1999, unless extended by law for an additional fixed period of time.