SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5083

              As Passed Senate, February 13, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the veterans affairs advisory committee.

Brief Description:  Changing the composition of the veterans affairs advisory committee.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Bauer, Franklin, Haugen and C. Anderson; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/25/95, 1/31/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/13/95, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  The Veterans' Affairs Advisory Committee comprises 17 members appointed by the Governor.  The committee advises the Governor and the Director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs on matters pertaining to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

One member is chosen from each of the three congressionally-chartered organizations with the largest number of active members in the state, as determined by the director.

Ten members are chosen to represent congressionally-chartered veterans' organizations having at least one active chapter in the state, with no organization having more than one representative.

Summary of Bill:  The definitions of the veterans' organizations with the largest number of active members, and with at least one active chapter in the state are expanded to include nationally recognized veterans' service organizations.  These organizations are listed in the current "Directory of Veterans' Service Organizations" published by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill updates terminology used to refer to veterans' organizations.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Beau Bergeron, Director, WA State Dept. of Veterans' Affairs