HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1014
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to recognizing "Native American Heritage Day".
Brief Description: Recognizing "Native American Heritage Day."
Sponsors: Representatives McCoy, Appleton, Hunt, Hurst, Moscoso, Ryu, Sells, Dahlquist, Johnson, Zeiger, Fitzgibbon, Wilcox, Stanford, Hudgins, Haigh, Tharinger, Van De Wege, Morrell, Ormsby, Upthegrove, Pollet, Bergquist, Reykdal, Kochmar, Jinkins, O'Ban and Santos.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 1/29/13, 2/5/13 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Angel, Ranking Minority Member; Johnson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Pike, Ryu, Santos and Sawyer.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The state currently observes 10 legal holidays, most of which are designated for some commemorative distinction, including: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Declaration of Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The day immediately following Thanksgiving Day is also a legal holiday, but has no corresponding name or distinction.
There are 29 federally recognized tribes in the state. There are other tribal communities that that are not federally recognized and individuals who claim Native American ancestry who may or may not be enrolled members of a tribe.
In 2008 President George W. Bush signed a joint resolution by Congress designating Friday, November 28, 2008, as Native American Heritage Day, and encouraged federal, state, and local governments to observe the date as tribute to the contributions Native Americans have made to the United States. In 2010 President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2010 as Native American Heritage Month, and called upon all Americans to celebrate November 26, 2010, the day after Thanksgiving, as Native American Heritage Day.
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Summary of Bill:
The legal holiday on the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving Day is named "Native American Heritage Day."
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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) This is a respectful way to acknowledge Native American heritage. The recognition is consistent with the recognition of long-term contributions of tribes, including tribes located outside of Washington with treaty rights and aboriginal land inside the state. It addresses the stigma associated with Thanksgiving Day and is advantageous to name the day on an existing legal holiday.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative McCoy, prime sponsor; Miguel Perez-Gibson and John Sirois, Colville Tribes; and Steve Robinson, Umatilla Tribe.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.