FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5408

                          C 224 L 00

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Creating a state medal of valor.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Benton, Hale, Shin, Winsley, Patterson and Rossi).

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on State Government

Background:  In 1986, the state of Washington established a decoration of the State Medal of Merit with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances for award by the Governor, in the name of the state, to any person who has been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services to the people and state of Washington, upon the nomination of the Governor=s State Medal of Merit Committee.

No similar state decoration exists to reward one who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of serious injury or death to himself or herself.

Summary:  The decoration of the State Medal of Valor is established.  The medal may be awarded by the Governor, in the name of the state, to any person who saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of serious injury or death to himself or herself, upon the selection of the Governor=s State Medal of Valor Committee.

A State Medal of Valor Committee is created for selecting honorees for the award of the State Medal of Valor.  The committee membership consists of the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or their designees.  The Secretary of State serves as a nonvoting ex-officio member and serves as the secretary to the committee.  Any individual may nominate any resident of this state for any act of valor.

The award is presented to the recipient only during a joint session of both houses of the Legislature.  The State Medal of Valor may be awarded posthumously.  The medal cannot be awarded to those acting as a result of service given by any branch of law enforcement, fire fighting, rescue, or other hazardous profession where the individual is employed by a government entity within the state of Washington.

The decoration of the State Medal of Valor and the certificate accompanying the medal are specified.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 470

House970

Effective:June 8, 2000