HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1194
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, Elections & Information Technology
Title: An act relating to creating a legislative page scholarship program.
Brief Description: Creating a legislative page scholarship program.
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Pettigrew, Smith, Springer, Kretz, Schmick, Santos, Short, Haler, Lovick, Riccelli, Blake, Senn, Jinkins, Gregerson, Muri, Frame, Wylie, Kilduff, McBride, Bergquist, Fey, Stambaugh, Ormsby, Farrell and Pollet.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 1/25/17, 1/31/17 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Koster, Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin, Kraft and Pellicciotti.
Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).
Background:
The Legislative Page program was established in 1891. Youth must apply and gain sponsorship by a legislative member to participate. Pages are hired as employees during the legislative session, and their duties include presenting flags and distributing communication.
Ethics statutes prohibit public employees and officials from engaging in activities that pose a conflict of interest with regard to official duties. Exemptions allow officials to solicit gifts and various items of value for specified projects.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship Program (Program) and Legislative Page Scholarship Account (Account) are established. Assistance from the Program should be provided based on financial need to those who otherwise qualify for the page program.
The Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives are authorized to: (1) administer the Program, (2) solicit and accept gifts and other specified items of value for the Program, (3) sell, lease, exchange, and expend donations as limited by the donors' terms, and (4) authorize expenditures from the Account. Members or legislative employees may also solicit specified items of value for the Program. Monies solicited may only be deposited in the Account and used to operate the Program. Joint rules must be adopted to protect the receipt and expenditure of funds.
Ethics statutes clarify that the Secretary of the Senate or Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, their designees, legislative members, and legislative employees, are not prohibited from soliciting and accepting contributions for the Account.
The State Treasurer is charged with custody of the Account. The Account is added to the list of accounts that must receive their proportionate share of earnings. The Account is subject to allotment procedures; appropriation is not required.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill:
corrects the title of the Program to reflect Gina Bull's full name, Gina Grant Bull.
removes authority from the Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to invest donations solicited for the Program.
adds the Account to the list of those managed by the State Treasurer that must receive their proportionate share of earnings based on the Account's average daily balance.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Gina Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship Program honors the legacy of Gina Bull, former beloved Page Coordinator in the House, who inspirationally and effectively connected youth across the state with opportunities to learn about democracy and the legislative process in Olympia. The scholarship program continues her legacy by enabling youth from families not able to support costs associated with participation, such as traveling to, and staying in, Olympia, thereby increasing access to the unique opportunities paging can offer. Paging can impact legislative outcomes by supporting efficient communication; promoting a sense of belonging in the democratic process; promoting leadership; and providing a practical foot in the door for future employment. The Free Masons are committed to funding the first year of the program and every year thereafter. The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation will also work to ensure funding is available for youth. Amendments are needed and underway.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hayes, prime sponsor; Lindsey Braun; Chris Strow; Nova Gattman; Kristen LeMieux; Bill Bart and Douglas Chilson, Freemasons of Washington; and Steve Laib, Downtown Walla Walla Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.