HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government
Title: An act relating to the capitol furnishings preservation committee.
Brief Description: Concerning the capitol furnishings preservation committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Johnson, Appleton, S. Hunt, Chandler, Walsh, Riccelli, Vick, Pettigrew and Buys.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 1/28/15, 1/29/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregory and Hawkins.
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, donations of historic furnishings, and may engage in fund-raising activities for the limited purpose of the recovery of the original and historic furnishings.
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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.
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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) It is a privilege to work in a very remarkable place, and Washington has the most beautiful capitol in the world. The Capitol Furnishings Committee was created in 1979 to recover original furnishings. The Committee oversees everything from lights to furniture. The Committee also has oversight of the SCG, except for the Pritchard and General Administration buildings. The SCG is expanded to include those buildings, and to make changes to membership.
The Committee would like to add the Pritchard Building and the General Administration building, if it survives, mainly because of the artwork. The fountain in front of the Pritchard Building and the mural in the Washington room should be preserved. Both buildings now meet the 50-year criteria rule. There is no budget impact as the Committee's work is accomplished entirely from fundraising.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; and Steve Lindstrom, Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.