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

SB 5627

Brief Description:  Creating a joint committee on veterans' and military affairs.

Sponsors:  By Senators Rasmussen, Oke, Swecker, Winsley, Snyder, Shin, Patterson, Kohl‑Welles and Benton; by request of Joint Select Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Creates the Joint Committee on Veterans= and Military Affairs.

Hearing Date:  3/19/01

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

A variety of military personnel reside in Washington including veterans, active military personnel, members of the National Guard, and members of the reserve.  A variety of state agencies handle issues relating to military personnel including the Military Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Last year, the Joint Select Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs (JSCVMA) was created.  The purpose of the committee was to examine and define issues and make recommendations with respect to desirable changes in programs, laws, and administrative practices affecting veterans and military affairs.  The committee consisted of 16 members, 8 from the House and 8 from the Senate.  Because it was created by concurrent resolution, the JSCVMA ceased to exist after the last biennium.

Summary of Bill: 

The Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs (JCVMA) is created.  The committee must study issues relating to veterans, active military forces, the National Guard, the reserves, the Military Department, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The JCVMA must make recommendations to the Legislature regarding these issues and may create subcommittees to perform its duties.

The JCVMA consists of 16 members, four members from each caucus in the House appointed by the Speaker (or Co‑Speakers) of the House, and four members from each caucus in the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate.  The committee shall establish a four‑member executive committee and may adopt rules and procedures for its orderly operation.

Rulemaking Authority:  The JCVMA may adopt rules and procedures for its orderly operation

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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