FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SCR 8431

                     AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

Brief Description:  Forming the Washington‑Hyogo Legislative Friendship Association.

SPONSORS: Senators Fraser, Bluechel, Gaspard, Prince, Franklin, Moyer, M. Rasmussen, Sellar, Sheldon and Spanel

BACKGROUND:

The state of Washington and Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, have been sister states for over 30 years.  This cordial relationship has aided international trade and tourism as well as cultural exchanges between Washington and Japan.  The members of the Hyogo Prefecture Assembly, their state legislature, have formed a Japan-America friendship league to foster "friendship exchanges" with the state of Washington.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Legislature resolves to form a reciprocal association for the purpose of promoting friendship and exchange with Hyogo.  The membership of this association is to include all members of the Legislature and the Lieutenant Governor; other current and former state elected officials are authorized to become members.

A joint Washington-Hyogo Friendship Committee is created to provide leadership for the association.  The committee shall consist of eight members, two from each major party caucus of the Senate and the House, respectively.  The state's International Protocol Officer is directed to be an ex officio member.  The members of the joint committee are directed to choose a chair and other officers.  The committee is authorized to appoint subcommittees and advisory groups of nonmembers.

The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House are directed to provide administrative support for the committee.  The state Office of International Relations and Protocol is authorized to support committee activities.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

First Special Session

Senate    Adopted

House     Adopted