HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1121

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Rodne, Bailey, Kelley, Moeller, Ross, Simpson, McCoy, Hope, Green, Ormsby, Johnson, Morrell, Smith, Campbell, Armstrong and Conway; by request of Secretary of State and Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/27/09, 2/5/09 [DP].

Floor Activity

Passed House: 2/23/09, 95-0.

Passed Senate: 4/3/09, 46-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

Creates the Washington State Flag Account to provide for donations of Washington flags to Washington's military personnel.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Flannigan, Hurst and Miloscia.

Background:

The Secretary of State (Secretary) may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, and bequests for conducting oral histories, archival activities, the Washington State Library, and the Washington State Heritage Center.

Summary of Bill:

The Secretary may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances and bequests, and devises of real or personal property for the purpose of donating state flags to Washington's military personnel. The Washington State Flag Account (Flag Account) is created in the custody of the State Treasurer and all donated moneys must be deposited into the Flag Account. Only the Secretary or designee may authorize expenditures from the Flag Account which is subject to allotment procedures, but not appropriation. Expenditures are limited to the purpose of donating state flags to Washington's military personnel.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Being deployed overseas, a simple flag can signify home and boost the morale of a military man or woman. There is no fiscal impact, this bill merely authorizes the Secretary to solicit funds for the Flag Account in order to give flags in appreciation of the military. Any interest earned on the Flag Account goes into the State General Fund.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Rodne, prime sponsor; Mike Partridge, Veterans Legislative Coalition; and Megan Moreno, Office of the Secretary of State.