FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1853

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.

C 117 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Removing references to specific nonoperational historical facilities from state statute.

Sponsors: Representatives Doglio, Hudgins, Wilcox and Haler; by request of Washington State Historical Society.

House Committee on State Government, Elections & Information Technology

Senate Committee on State Government

Background:

The Washington State Historical Society (Society) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization recognized in law as a trustee of the state to, among other duties, preserve and exhibit materials that demonstrate Washington's cultural, artistic, and natural history. The Society is governed by a board of trustees which includes seven public officials who serve ex officio.

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve includes the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Pearson Airfield, and a section of the Columbia River waterfront. The Reserve is managed by a partnership composed of the National Park Service, the United States Army, the State of Washington, and the City of Vancouver. The Society is the state's designated partner representative for the Reserve and must, among other tasks,:

The Center for Columbia River History was formed in 1990 as a consortium of the Society, Portland State University, and WSU to promote research, publish materials, and otherwise provide information about the Columbia River. The consortium has since dissolved.

The historic Lord Mansion (Mansion) in Olympia was donated to the state in 1939. The Mansion and grounds are designated as part of the state capitol and named the State Capitol Historical Museum. The Mansion is to be used to house and interpret the Society's collection. The Museum is closed.

Summary:

The directive to the Society to partner with WSU and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History is repealed.

The State Capitol Historical Museum is renamed the historic Lord Mansion. The Mansion is no longer required to house the Society's historical collections.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

96

0

Senate

47

0

Effective:

July 23, 2017