H-4571.2          _______________________________________________

                                  HOUSE BILL 2924

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State of Washington              54th Legislature             1996 Regular Session

By Representatives Sheahan and Smith

Read first time 01/26/96.  Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.

Prohibiting discrimination by government entities.

     AN ACT Relating to discrimination; and adding new sections to chapter 49.60 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 49.60 RCW to read as follows:

     The legislature finds and declares that equal protection under the law is a fundamental principle of constitutional government essential to the well-being and perpetuation of a free society.  Government entities in this state shall not practice discrimination prohibited by this chapter.  Government entities in this state should review all employment practices to ensure that such discrimination does not occur.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 49.60 RCW to read as follows:

     Discrimination in the private sector is abhorrent to civilized society.  Yet, seeking existing remedies for discrimination caused by either public or private entities is a difficult and lengthy process.  The commission is authorized, notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 49.60.240 and 49.60.250, to offer alternative dispute resolution to provide remedies to those with claims of illegal discrimination and minimize the lengthy and costly process of litigation.

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