SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6517
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 of January 29, 2016
Title: An act relating to increasing equitable gender representation on state boards and commissions.
Brief Description: Increasing equitable gender representation on state boards and commissions.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Rolfes, Chase, Habib, Frockt and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/01/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Gubernatorial Appointments. The Governor is required to make appointments to boards, commissions, and other entities, including citizen member appointments to over 200 entities. Many appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Appointments at Institutions of Higher Education. Washington is divided into 30 community and technical college districts, each with a board of five trustees appointed by the Governor. In making appointments, the Governor must give consideration to geographical diversity and representation by labor, business, women, and racial and ethnic minorities. The Boards for districts containing a technical college must include at least one member from business and one member from labor. Trustees serve five-year terms.
The University of Washington and Washington State University are each governed by a board of regents. Each board has 10 members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. Nine of the members serve six year terms. The tenth member, a student, is appointed to a one year term. The Evergreen State College, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Western Washington University are each governed by an eight member board of trustees appointed by the Governor. Seven of the members of each board serve six year terms. The eighth member, a student, is appointed to a one year term.
Summary of Bill: The membership of each board and commission in which the Governor possesses appointment power and each board of trustees of a higher education institution must be at least one-third female and one-third male by January 1, 2022.
By January 1, 2032, each board and commission in which the Governor possesses appointment power and each board of trustees of a higher education institution must demonstrate substantial equity standards.
The Office of Financial Management must report on the gender composition of each board and commission in which the Governor possesses appointment power and each board of trustees of a higher education institution by December 1, 2016, December 1, 2022, and December 1, 2032.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.