SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6200

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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6200 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Conway and McCoy.

Background: The Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) administers the Heritage Capital Projects Fund, with the advice of representatives of the office of the Secretary of State, the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, and the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The fund provides grants to local governments and other entities for capital projects interpreting and preserving state history and heritage. WSHS submits a prioritized project funding list to the Governor and Legislature in its biennial budget request. Maximum total state funding for projects on the list is $10 million, and the maximum percentage of state funding for a project is 33 percent of the total cost of the project.

WSHS partners with Washington State University (WSU) and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History on the Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve.

The State Capitol Museum in Olympia houses and interprets WSHS collections.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): In addition to current entities advising WSHS in establishing a prioritized list of projects to be funded by grants, an advisory panel includes leaders in heritage, architecture, and finance, and a representative of the Department of Enterprise Services. The maximum percentage of state grant funding for a project is increased one-third of a percent, to 33.3 percent of the total cost of the project. Up to 6 percent of funds appropriated by the Legislature to the grant program may be retained and used by WSHS for administrative costs.

The requirement that WSHS partner with WSU in managing the Center for Columbia River History is deleted.

WSHS may lease the State Capitol Historical Museum and use proceeds to fund WSHS's mission-related activities.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute as Passed Committee): A provision changing the name of the the State Capitol Historical Museum is deleted. A provision allowing WSHS to retain and use appropriated grant program funds for administrative costs is modified to set a 6 percent limit rather than a 10 percent limit.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: This legislation makes changes necessary to match current practices. The Center for Columbia River History no longer exists. WSHS follows Office of Financial Management standards in retaining up to 3 percent of grant program funds for administrative costs. The proposed 10 percent limit would allow for increases that may be authorized over time.