| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
ESB 5166
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: Designating Korean-American day.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Kastama, Marr, Murray, Kauffman, Kilmer, Zarelli, Eide, Berkey, Franklin, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, McAuliffe, Regala, Pridemore, Clements, Keiser, Rasmussen, Sheldon, Delvin and Roach.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/16/07
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
In December 2005, the federal government designated January 13 as national Korean-American
Day. The day commemorates the arrival of the first pioneer immigrants from Korea to the
United States on January 13, 1903. In Washington, there is a substantial Korean-American
community.
Since 1974, Washington created the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
(Commission) in order to improve the well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. The state
recognizes May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month, and dedicates the fourth week of
May to celebrate the contributions made to the state by Asian Pacific Americans in the areas of
art, science, commerce, and education. The Commission coordinates and assists with these
celebrations.
Washington currently has nine nonlegal holidays: Columbus Day; Former Prisoner of War
Recognition Day; Washington Army and Air National Guard Day; Purple Heart Recipient
Recognition Day; Washington State Children's Day; Mother Joseph Day; Marcus Whitman Day;
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; and the Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance.
Summary of Bill:
January 13 is designated as Korean-American Day, to be treated as a nonlegal holiday. The
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is directed to coordinate and assist educational
institutions, public entities, and private organizations with celebrations of Korean-American Day
that recognize the contributions Korean-Americans have made to the state in the arts, sciences,
commerce, and education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.