Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

SSB 5030

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: Concerning militia records, property, command, and administration.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Hobbs, Swecker, Shin, Berkey, Eide, Hatfield, McAuliffe and Roach; by request of Military Department and Joint Committee on Veterans' and Military Affairs).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Makes the Adjutant General, subject to the orders of the Governor, the Commander of the Washington National Guard.

  • Eliminates the requirement that the Adjutant General create a separate Bureau of Records.

  • Updates and streamlines the powers and duties of the Adjutant General.

Hearing Date: 3/17/09

Staff: Tracey O'Brien (786-7196)

Background:

The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints the Adjutant General of the State of Washington. As the head of the Washington Military Department (Department), the Adjutant General oversees the Department's four major operational divisions: the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, Emergency Management and State Services.

Summary of Bill:

The powers and duties of the Adjutant General are updated and streamlined. The Adjutant General, subject to the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, commands the Washington National Guard and must recruit, train, maintain, and administer Washington's organized militia.

The Adjutant General is not required to create a Bureau of Records to house records that already go to the Department of Defense or State Archives for maintenance and preservation. The Adjutant General shall deposit the state militia records with the State Archivist for historical purposes.

Language regarding the accounting of funds, safeguarding property, maintaining the seal, publishing orders, maintaining histories and militia records, and publishing of certain documents and publications, including the Washington Code of Military Justice, are updated and consolidated.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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