Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

General Government & Information Technology Committee

HB 2252

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 state capital historical museum.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Wilcox and S. Hunt.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Transfers responsibility for the leasing, operations, and maintenance of the State Capital Historical Museum from the Washington State Historical Society to the Department of Enterprise Services.

Hearing Date: 2/5/16

Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).

Background:

The State Capital Museum (Museum) is housed in the Lord Mansion, built in 1923. The mansion was donated to the state by the Lord family in 1937 and the Museum was subsequently opened in 1942. The building and grounds of the Museum are designated as part of the state capitol campus.

In 1993, the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) assumed responsibility for the operation of the Museum. The WSHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in statute as a trustee for the state. The WSHS's powers and duties include the collection and preservation of objects and materials illustrative of state history; the operation of state museums; conducting public outreach and education; and the authority to accept gifts, sell or exchange items, fundraise, and charge fees. The WSHS also submits a prioritized list of recommended heritage capital projects to the Governor and Legislature biennially for consideration for funding in the state capital budget.

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) manages the 486-acre state capitol campus under the policy direction of the State Capitol Committee and Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee. In the management of the public and historic facilities of the state capitol, the DES must apply the United States Secretary of the Interior's design standards for the treatment of historic properties.

The DES also assists state agencies with the acquisition, leasing, and disposal of real estate. With limited exceptions, the DES must purchase, lease, rent, or otherwise acquire all real estate required by state agencies. The DES reports annually to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the Legislature on facility leases executed for all state agencies, including lease terms and annual lease costs. The OFM maintains an inventory of all facilities owned or leased by state government and reports this information to the Legislature annually.

Summary of Bill:

Responsibility for the maintenance, operation, and leasing of the Museum is transferred from the WSHS to the DES. Provisions requiring WSHS to house the WSHS collection at the Museum are removed. The DES may lease the Museum to other state agencies or private parties.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Received.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.