FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5035

C 4 L 15

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing the awarding of the medal of valor to a group of persons.

Sponsors: Senators Pearson, Kohl-Welles, Hatfield and Liias; by request of Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security

House Committee on State Government

Background: In 2000 the state Medal of Valor was established. The medal may be awarded by the Governor, in the name of the state, to any person who saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of serious injury or death to themselves, upon the selection of the Governor's Medal of Valor Committee. The award is presented only during a joint session of both houses of the Legislature. Any individual may nominate any resident of this state for any act of valor.

The medal cannot be awarded to those acting as a result of service given by any branch of law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, or other hazardous profession where the individual is employed by a government entity within the state of Washington. It may be awarded posthumously.

The Governor's Medal of Valor Committee consists of the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or their designees. The Secretary of State serves as a nonvoting ex-officio member and serves as the secretary to the committee.

Summary: The state Medal of Valor may also be awarded to a group of persons who saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of serious injury to themselves.

Votes on Final Passage: