SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2842

 

As of February 26, 2002

 

Title:  An act relating to a Washington state day of remembrance.

 

Brief Description:  Creating a civil liberties day of remembrance.

 

Sponsors:  Representatives Santos, Tokuda, Veloria, Conway, Kenney, Dickerson, O'Brien, Ogden, Schual‑Berke, Kessler, Lovick, McIntire, Ruderman, Upthegrove, Linville, Rockefeller, Simpson, Haigh and McDermott.

 

Brief History: 

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/27/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

 

Staff:  Eugene Green (786‑7405)

 

Background:  On February 19, 1942, just a little over two months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the military to exclude any person from designated military areas.  This order authorized the military to:  (1) designate military areas; and (2) remove any persons considered a danger.  On March 2,1942, the West Coast commander of the United States Army issued Public Proclamation No. 1 which designated the entire West Coast a restricted military area and, 22 days later, on March 24, 1942, the army issued the first Civilian Exclusion Order resulting in the evacuation of approximately 227 Japanese on Bainbridge Island.  By June 1942, over 110,000 Japanese-Americans were moved to concentration camps for the remainder of World War II.

 

Summary of Bill:  February 19 is recognized as a Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance, but is not considered a legal holiday.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

 

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