HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESHB 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 Passed House:
February 22, 2017
Title: An act relating to creating a legislative page scholarship program.
Brief Description: Creating the Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship program.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Govt, Elections & IT (originally sponsored by 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].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/22/17, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed 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.
Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill:
The Gina Grant Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship Program (Program) and the Gina Grant Bull Memorial 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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) 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.