HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1064


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to veterans' benefits.

Brief Description: Addressing veterans' benefits.

Sponsors: By Representatives Seaquist, Morrell, Haigh, Kelley, Miloscia, Hunt, Appleton, Conway, P. Sullivan, McDonald, Haler, Wallace, Moeller, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Hunter, Chase, Ormsby, Upthegrove and Hurst.

Brief History:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/16/07, 1/17/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 1/26/07, 96-0.
Passed Senate: 4/11/07, 49-0.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Repeals RCW 73.08.060 (restrictions on sending veterans or their families to almshouses) from the statute.   


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).

Background:

Under RCW 73.08.060 the state prohibits county legislative authorities from sending veterans or their families to almshouses or orphan asylums unless the relief committee of a national veterans organization consents. Instead, an indigent veteran should receive assistance and continue to live independently or, in certain situations, the veteran may be sent to a soldiers' home.


Summary of Bill:

The RCW 73.08.060, containing restrictions on sending veterans or their families to almshouses, is repealed.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The entire impact of this bill is to remove one section and change the definition of veteran to no longer reference almshouses. The Legislature has changed the definition of veteran numerous times over the years. This is a housekeeping bill.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Seaquist, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.