SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1457

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Government Operations, March 16, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs.

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  3/16/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  In 1972, the Asian-American Advisory Council was created by executive order of Governor Evans.  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 of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The commission works well and this will give formal representation to Pacific Islanders.

Testimony Against:   None.

Testified:  David Della, CAPAA (pro); Loaloa Afo (pro).