SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2532

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Transportation, February 17, 2000

Title:  An act relating to recognition of volunteer pilots.

Brief Description:  Allowing the department of transportation to recognize volunteer pilots.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fisher, Mitchell, Cairnes, Ogden, Dunn and Hurst; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/17/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Goings, Vice Chair; Costa, Eide, Heavey, Horn, Johnson, Morton, Oke, Patterson, Prentice, T. Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.

Staff:  Lynn Hale (786-7346)

Background:  The Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) Aviation Division is mandated to provide aerial search and rescue and maintain and operate its 15 emergency/recreational airstrips.  Because of limited resources, the division has historically relied heavily on volunteers in carrying out both of these mandates.

In showing its appreciation and support for the work and effort of these volunteers, the department has a longstanding practice of recognizing and honoring those private individuals who have assisted the aviation division in meeting its legislative mandate.  This recognition has historically been funded with state dollars, but in a recent "purchasing" audit of the aviation division, the practice of using state funds to recognize private individuals and organizations was called into question.

Because these volunteers contribute a substantial amount of valued assistance and support to the department, at no additional cost to the state, it is the department's view that the nominal cost associated with thanking them to show their true appreciation, is a worthwhile expenditure of state funds.  However, to ensure that this practice is not called into question in the future, the department feels that this practice should be mandated in statute.

Summary of Bill:  The use of pilot registration fee revenue must be used, in addition to other activities, for volunteer recognition and support.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  It allows DOT to recognize its volunteers.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Don Griffith, Department of Transportation (pro).