Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
HB 1217
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 the capitol furnishings preservation committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Johnson, Appleton, S. Hunt, Chandler, Walsh, Riccelli, Vick, Pettigrew and Buys.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/15
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee (Committee) was established in 1999 to promote and encourage the recovery and preservation of the original and historic furnishings of the State Capitol Group (SCG), prevent future loss of historic furnishings, and review and advise future remodeling and restoration projects pertaining to historic furniture. The Committee has the authority to decide whether Capitol campus furnishings over 50 years old are surplus or historic items. Historic furnishings are defined to include furniture, fixtures, and artwork over 50 years old.
The SCG includes the Legislative, Insurance, Cherberg, O'Brien, Newhouse, and Temple of Justice buildings.
Membership of the Committee includes:
four legislators, one from each major caucus of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives;
the Secretary of the Senate;
the Governor or a designee;
the Lieutenant Governor or a designee;
representatives from statewide offices including the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and Insurance Commissioner;
a representative from the Supreme Court;
a representative from the Washington State Historical Society, the Department of Enterprise Services, and the Thurston Regional Planning Council, each appointed by the Governor; and
three private citizens, appointed by the Governor.
The Committee may accept monetary donations, grants, and donations of historic furnishings, and may engage in fund-raising activities for the limited purpose of the recovery of the original and historic furnishings.
Summary of Bill:
The SCG is expanded to include the Pritchard Building, and if the building is repurposed to serve a different function or substantially remodeled, the General Administration Building. The Committee is authorized to engage in interpretive and educational activities, including displaying historic furnishings. Six private citizens appointed by the Governor may serve on the Committee, and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate may each name a designee to serve on the Committee.
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.