HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. SSB 5875

                                           (See HB 2184)

Jt. Sel. Comm. on Veterans/Military Personnel Affairs     Public Hrg: 4/2/97 

Brief Title

Comm. Govt Op. (Sen. Swanson/McCaslin)          Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

A number of federal military bases are located in the state.  The state Military Department includes the Washington National Guard.  The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the state=s veterans= homes and provides assistance to veterans.  The state and counties provide various benefits and programs for veterans.

SUMMARY:

The joint select committee on veterans and military personnel affairs is created composed of four members, one from each caucus of the Senate who are appointed by the President of the Senate and one from each caucus of the House of Representatives who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The joint committee shall make annual reports to the Legislature on the current status of veteran and military personnel affairs in the state of Washington.  The first report shall be made on or before the 1999 legislative session.

The joint committee shall establish an advisory group of all interested parties, including representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs, state Military Department, and the reserve and active military.  The joint committee shall have access to and assistance from legislative staff and state agency employees as necessary to perform studies, develop recommendations, and report to the Legislature in an ongoing manner concerning issues affecting veterans and military personnel in this state.

FISCAL NOTE:  Requested 3/27/97

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.