FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1948

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                         C 261 L 93

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions regarding the state commission on Hispanic affairs.

By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Bray, Ludwig, Rayburn and Grant).

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Government Operations

Background:  In 1971, the Legislature established the Mexican-American Affairs Commission to address the unique problems of Mexican-American and Spanish speaking populations.  In 1987, the Legislature changed the name of the commission to the Hispanic Affairs Commission, membership was diversified to include Hispanics who are not of Mexican-American origin, and provisions were added to sunset the commission in 1997.

The commission is currently directed to:  advise state agencies on actions to be taken to assure that state programs are providing the assistance needed by Hispanics; advise state agencies on the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs focusing on the special problems and needs of Hispanics; and receive technical assistance from an interagency advisory council on Hispanic affairs.

The commission includes 11 members of Hispanic origin as follows:  (1) two agricultural workers; (2) three Hispanics not of Mexican-American origin; (3) one member from the field of education; (4) one member who is a business, governmental, or public service professional; (5) one trade union official; (6) and three members of the Mexican-American community.

Summary:  Appointments to the Hispanic Affairs Commission will be made to achieve a balanced representation based on population distribution, geographic considerations, sex, age, and occupation.  Specific national origin and occupational membership categories are repealed.  No member will serve more than two consecutive terms.

The executive director of the commission will be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the governor.  The executive director will appoint staff.  The commission will make recommendations to the governor on the appointment of the executive director.

The duties of the Hispanic Affairs Commission are expanded to include:  making recommendations to the governor and state agencies on needed changes in laws and policies; advising the Legislature; establishing relationships with the private sector and local governments to promote equal opportunity; and receiving and spending gifts, grants, and endowments.  The interagency advisory council is repealed.

The sunset date for the commission is changed from 1997 to 2021.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  98 0

Senate 44 0 (Senate amended)

House  97 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1993