HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2621

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                    Government Operations

Title:  An act relating to the Lewis and Clark trail bicentennial commemoration.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the Washington state historical society to work with the Lewis and Clark trail committee in developing activities to commemorate the Lewis and Clark trail bicentennial.

Sponsors:  Representatives Honeyford, Ogden, Jacobsen, R. Fisher, Radcliff, Brumsickle, Chopp, Hickel and Conway; by request of Washington State Historical Society.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Operations:  1/23/96 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Reams, Chairman; Cairnes, Vice Chairman; Goldsmith, Vice Chairman; Rust, Ranking Minority Member; Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Conway; R. Fisher; Hargrove; Honeyford; Hymes; Mulliken; D. Schmidt and Wolfe.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

Background:  The Washington State Historical Society and the Eastern Washington State Historical Society are responsible for collecting, cataloging, preserving, and interpreting objects and materials illustrative of the cultural, artistic, and natural history of the state.  The societies may also plan for and conduct celebrations of significant events in the history of the state, and give assistance to and coordinate with state agencies, local governments, and local historical organizations in planning and conducting these celebrations.

Plans are being made to celebrate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington State Historical Society is directed to work with and provide leadership to the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee in planning activities to commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Northwest.  The society must coordinate its planning efforts with the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and work with other associations and state agencies in coordinating, developing, and disseminating information regarding activities planned to commemorate the expedition.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This assures that the coordination needed for the upcoming celebration will take place.  There is widespread interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition.  Some grant proposals have already been submitted.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Honeyford, prime sponsor; and David Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society.