Title: An act relating to creating the association of Washington generals.

Brief Description: Creating the association of Washington generals.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Rodne, Morris, Anderson and Kenney; by request of Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade: 3/1/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE & TRADE

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Pettigrew, Vice Chair; Kristiansen, Ranking Minority Member; Skinner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Blake, Buri, Chase, Clibborn, Condotta, Dunn, Grant, Haler, Holmquist, Kenney, Kilmer, Kretz, McCoy, Morrell, Newhouse, Quall, Strow, P. Sullivan and Wallace.

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

The Association of Washington Generals was formed in 1970 by Lt. Governor John Cherberg. It is a service organization which honors worthy citizens who make significant contributions to Washington. The association awards honorees a commission as a Washington General. Commissions are signed by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of State. The association does not have authority to use the state flag or the state seal.

Summary of Bill:

The Association of Washington Generals is organized as a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation with the purpose of recognizing outstanding service to the state and bringing those individuals together to serve as ambassadors of trade, tourism, and international goodwill.

The Association of Washington Generals is governed by a board of directors. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Secretary of State are to serve on the association's board of directors as ex officio non-voting members. The board will review nominations for and select new Washington Generals, and establish the title of Honorary Washington General to honor worthy individuals from outside of Washington.

The Association of Washington Generals may conduct activities in support of their mission, including establishing selection criteria for selecting Washington Generals, operating an essay contest, training the generals as ambassadors of Washington, and promoting Washington Generals as the ambassadors of Washington.

The Lieutenant Governor's office may provide technical and financial assistance for the association. Subject to the availability of funds, the Legislature may make appropriations in support of the Washington Generals. The association may use the image of the Washington State flag and retain any revenue generated by such use.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: When the Association of Washington Generals was founded over 30 years ago, it provided a much needed way for the state to recognize people in Washington nationally and internationally. The Association of Washington Generals bring together outstanding people to serve Washington. The newest General is former Governor Gary Locke. In addition, to serving as Washington's ambassadors, the Association of Washington Generals has a partnership with the education community. The Association has just completed a statewide essay contest with 29 participating school districts. They will be awarding cash prizes to students and teachers and providing a plaque to schools.

Testimony Against: None

Persons Testifying: Chuck Hardaway.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.