HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5264


 

 

 




As Reported by House Committee On:

State Government

 

Title: An act relating to the lieutenant governor.

 

Brief Description: Providing transportation to the lieutenant governor's spouse for activities conducted on behalf of the state.

 

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators West, Swecker, Jacobsen, Sheahan, Hargrove and Hale).


Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government: 3/25/03, 4/3/03 [DPA].

 

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House Committee)

    Requires the Washington State Patrol to provide transportation for the Lieutenant Governor's spouse when he or she is conducting official state business that pertains to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.



 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT


Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Hunt, McDermott and Wallace.

 

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Shabro, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Nixon and Tom.

 

Staff: Katie Blinn (786-7114).

 

Background:

 

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) must provide security and protection for the Governor, the Governor's family, and the Lieutenant Governor to the extent and in the manner that the Governor and the WSP deem is adequate and appropriate. The WSP also provides security and protection for the House of Representatives and the Senate while the Legislature is in session.

 


 

 

Summary of Amended Bill:

 

The WSP must provide transportation for the Lieutenant Governor's spouse when he or she is conducting official state business that pertains to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

 

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

 

The original bill was ambiguous as to whether transportation for the Lieutenant Governor's spouse was required when the spouse is conducting state business with the Lieutenant Governor, or when the spouse is conducting state business that pertains to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The amended bill clarifies that the WSP must provide transportation for the Lieutenant Governor's spouse when he or she is conducting official state business that pertains to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

 


 

 

Appropriation: None.

 

Fiscal Note: Available.

 

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

 

Testimony For: None.

 

Testimony Against: The WSP understands the importance of providing escort services for the Lieutenant Governor's spouse, but the WSP has assured the Lieutenant Governor that the WSP will provide the requested transportation services even if the legislation does not pass.

 

Testified: (With concerns) Glenn Cramer, Washington State Patrol.