| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 1896
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.
Brief Description: Creating the legislative gift center committee.
Sponsors: Representative Hunt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/07
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
Several states have legislative gift shops, including Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon,
South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. These gift shops allow states to address the demand for
souvenirs by visitors to the state capitol. The gift shops also provide an opportunity for states to
highlight merchandise specific to the state's culture and history. Many states use this to
showcase unique, locally made items.
In Washington, the Secretary of State has a small store in the reception area that sells items
bearing the State Seal, including office items, glassware, men's ties, and wine bags. The proceeds
from the sale of the items bearing the state seal are deposited into the Capitol Building
Construction Account for use in the historical restoration and completion of the legislative
building.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislative Gift Center Committee (Committee) is created to establish a gift center in the
Legislative Building to sell products bearing the State Seal, Washington State souvenirs, and
other Washington products. The Committee consist of the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief
Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Director of the Office of Legislative Facilities, and
one member from each of the two major caucuses in the Senate and the House.
The Committee will have authority to approve the method by which the Legislative Gift Center
is established, select the location for the gift center, and determine what products will be sold at
the gift center.
The Legislative Gift Center Account (Account) is created. All proceeds from the sale of goods
at the gift center shall be deposited in this Account. Expenditures from the Account may only be
used for the operation and maintenance of the gift shop, including the purchase of new inventory.
Fifty percent of the net profits of the gift center shall go to support the oral history project and 50
percent of the proceeds shall go to support the Capitol Furnishings Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.