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

Brief Description: Creating the association of Washington generals.

Sponsors: Senators Pflug, Eide, Shin and Rasmussen; by request of Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: International Trade & Economic Development: 2/17/05, 2/22/05 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5862 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Doumit, Eide, Roach and Zarelli.

Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)

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 Substitute 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 so recognized together to serve as ambassadors of trade, tourism, and international goodwill. 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 Lieutenant Governor's office may provide technical and financial assistance for the association. The association may use the image of the Washington State flag and retain any revenue generated by such use.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The bill would elevate the Washington Generals in status and it will assist them in promoting good works. The bill can be an important tool to promote the state and allow the association to raise money, using the state flag, to further their good work. It will allow for recognition and the designation of Honorary Washington Generals.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Lt. Gov. Owen; Chuck Hardaway, Assoc. of WA Generals; Patrick McDonald, Secretary of State's Office.