SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5674

               As Passed Senate, March 12, 1997

Title:  An act relating to governor's awards for excellence in teaching history.

Brief Description:  Creating the governor's award for excellence in teaching history.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, Haugen, Jacobsen, Prince, Winsley and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/20/97, 2/24/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/12/97, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Wood, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Bauer, Hale, Kohl, Patterson, Prince and Sheldon.

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  The Washington State Historical Society was incorporated in 1891 and designated in 1903 as a trustee organization by the state Legislature for the purpose of preserving and promoting Washington State history to its citizens.  The society wishes to recognize the significant contributions of teachers and other historical organizations in their efforts to promote an understanding of history.

Summary of Bill:  The board of trustees of the Washington State Historical Society makes the final determination regarding two annual cash awards:  one to an individual teacher and one to an organization.  These cash awards are raised through solicitations from private donors.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  It helps to have the blessing of the Legislature when offering a reward of this type.  The award will be given annually to an outstanding history teacher and to an outstanding organization.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  David Nicandri, Michael Warner, Washington State Historical Society.

House Amendment(s):  A grammatical error is corrected.