FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1319

C 5 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Recognizing a welcome home Vietnam veterans day.

Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, McCoy, Ross, Hunt, Rodne, Orwall, Green, Jinkins, Upthegrove, Chandler, Orcutt, Pedersen, Vick, Roberts, Alexander, Klippert, Holy, Short, Morrell, Smith, Buys, Kochmar, Liias, Moeller, Appleton, Angel, Zeiger, O'Ban, Wilcox, Hurst, Van De Wege, Shea, Fagan, Bergquist, Moscoso, Tarleton, Freeman and Fey.

House Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Background:

A variety of dates are specially recognized in Washington without being considered legal holidays. For example, August 7 is recognized as Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day and December 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the National League of Families' (League) POW/MIA flag and designated it "as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."

Public entities are required to display the League's POW/MIA flag on the following days:

• Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May);

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May);

• Flag Day (June 14);

• Independence Day (July 4);

• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27);

• National POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September); and

• Veterans' Day (November 11).

"Public entity" means every state agency, including each institution of higher education, and every county, city, and town.

Summary:

March 30 is recognized as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, but is not considered a legal holiday for any other purpose. Public entities must fly the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag on that date.

Votes on Final Passage: