Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

SB 5097

Brief Description:  Requiring public entities to display the national league of families' POW/MIA flag.

Sponsors:  By Senators Kastama, Winsley, Constantine, Hargrove, Oke, Rasmussen and Patterson.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires public entities to display the POW/MIA flag on certain days of the year.

Hearing Date: 

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

The official flag of the State of Washington consists of a green background with a reproduction of the state seal stamped in its center.  Both the state flag and the national flag are required to be displayed and maintained in schools, court rooms, and state buildings.

Summary of Bill: 

All state agencies (including institutions of higher education), counties, cities, and towns, must display the national league of families= POW/MIA flag on the following days:

$Armed Forces Day;

$Memorial Day;

$Flag Day;

$Independence Day;

$National POW/MIA Recognition Day; and

$Veterans= Day.

The Governor=s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee must provide information to the entities required to display the flag upon request.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 16, 2001.

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