SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6135

              As Passed Senate, January 29, 1996

Title:  An act relating to using gender‑neutral language in Title 35A RCW.

Brief Description:  Using gender‑neutral language in Title 35A RCW.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Winsley and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/18/96 [DP].

Passed Senate, 1/29/96, 41-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  State law mandates that all statutes, memorials, and resolutions enacted, adopted, or amended by the Legislature after July 1, 1983 be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender is intended.  Numerous sections of Title 35A (optional municipal code) contain nongender-neutral terms.

Summary of Bill:  Title 35A (optional municipal code) is revised to utilize gender-neutral language.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  It is part of a continuing effort to make all statutes gender neutral.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Fairley, prime sponsor (pro).