HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2277
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 the Washington state historical society.
Brief Description: Concerning the Washington state historical society.
Sponsors: Representatives Robinson, Manweller, Zeiger, Carlyle, S. Hunt, Ryu and Bergquist; by request of Washington State Historical Society.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 1/23/14, 1/28/14 [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 Appleton, Chair; Sawyer, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Gregerson, Hope, Robinson, Santos and Young.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) is designated as a trustee of the state's historical articles and properties. The WSHS's duties include collecting and preserving historical materials, operating state museums, conducting educational activities and historical celebrations, engaging in fund-raising, and exchanging historical property.
In 1995 the Legislature created the Capital Heritage Projects Fund Grant Program, which is administered by the WSHS to support the capital facilities of heritage organizations. The program establishes a competitive application process for funding of specific projects by local governments, public development authorities, nonprofit corporations, tribal governments, and other entities determined by the WSHS.
The WSHS must submit a prioritized list of projects to the Legislature in its biennial budget request. The list must be determined with the advice of the Secretary of State's office, the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, and other leaders in the heritage field.
The level of state funding for the projects on the prioritized list recommended by the WSHS may not exceed $10 million. The amount of state funding for a project may not exceed 33 percent of the total cost of the project. Grants authorized must include provisions requiring that the facilities are used for the express purpose of the grant and for a specified period of time.
The Vancouver National Historic Reserve.
The WSHS is the designated state representative for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve (Reserve). The Reserve contains the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site among other historic districts, museums, and parks. The WSHS must partner with the Washington State University and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History, located on the Reserve.
The State Capital Historical Museum.
The State Capital Historical Museum (Museum) is designated is as part of the state capitol in Olympia. The WSHS is authorized to store its collection of historical materials at the Museum.
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Summary of Bill:
The WSHS is authorized to use up to 10 percent of funds appropriated for the Capital Heritage Projects Fund grant program for administrative costs.
The amount of state funding for a project may not exceed one-third of the total cost of the project.
The advisory panel is expanded to advise the WSHS regarding its priority list of projects for the Capital Heritage Projects Fund Grant Program. The panel must include leaders in the fields of heritage, architecture and finance, the Office of the Secretary of State, the Department of Enterprise Services, the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, and the Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation.
The WSHS is not required to manage the Center for Columbia River History or to partner with the Washington State University and other agencies.
The Museum's name is changed to the State Capital Heritage Outreach Center (Center). The WSHS is authorized to lease the Center and use the proceeds to fund the WSHS's related activities.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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 bill brings the WSHS's current practices in line with its statutory authority. The bill removes references to entities or practices that no longer exist. The Center for Columbia River History was dissolved by mutual agreement by all managing parties. Practice standards prohibit the WSHS from storing its collection at the state capital museum. The WSHS only uses 3 percent of the Capital Heritage Projects Fund for administrative costs, per state regulations. The 10 percent is added in case the permissible percentage rises over time. The WSHS already leases the capital museum to Washington State Parks and a private renter.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Jennifer Kilmer, Washington State Historical Society.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.