FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1457

                          C 67 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Renaming the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Veloria, Tokuda, Brumsickle, Regala, Conway and Huff; by request of Commission on Asian American Affairs.

House Committee on Government Operations

Senate Committee on Government Operations

Background:  In 1972, the Asian-American Advisory Council was created by executive order.  In 1974, the Legislature established the Asian-American Affairs Commission in the Office of the Governor to succeed the council.  The commission consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor, who is directed to maintain a balanced distribution of Asian-ethnic, geographic, sex, age, and occupational representation on the commission.

The commission is responsible for examining and defining issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian-Americans, and for making recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies on desirable changes in programs and the law, as well as on program implementation.  The commission conducts educational activities, publishes resource information, and helps to establish local community networks.

The commission has unanimously recommended that the name of the commission be changed to reflect the population changes that have occurred since the establishment of the commission in 1974.

Summary:  The Asian-American Affairs Commission is renamed the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.  The term "Asian Pacific Americans" is defined to include persons of Cambodian, Laotian, and other South Asian ancestry.  The term "Asian Americans" is changed to "Asian Pacific Americans" in relevant statutes.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    43 0

Effective:  July 23, 1995