HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1984
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 the association of Washington generals.
Brief Description: Concerning the association of Washington generals.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins and Volz; by request of Lieutenant Governor.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/15/17, 2/17/17 [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 Association of Washington Generals (AWG), established within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, is organized as a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that formally recognizes individuals' outstanding service to the state. The organization brings those individuals together to serve as ambassadors of trade, tourism, and international good will. Its activities may include operating a statewide essay competition, and training and promoting Washington generals as ambassadors of the state. The AWG Board of Directors (Board) includes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State, as nonvoting members, and other designated officers and members.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
Serving as an ambassador of civic life and expanding educational and employment opportunities for youth, uniform service members, military families, veterans, and people with disabilities are added to the purposes of the AWG. Operating a statewide essay competition is not listed as one of its activities.
The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State must serve on the Board as voting members. Board membership is changed to include three members appointed by the President of the Senate, three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and three members appointed by the Governor. Membership terms and board governance expectations are specified. The Board must submit its bylaws to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Any number of board members may be removed.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill adds serving as an ambassador for civic life as the focus of service offered by individuals recognized by the AWG. The Board is required to submit its bylaws to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. More than one board member may be removed. Grounds of neglect of duty or misconduct are not necessary for members to be removed. Uniform service members and military families are added to the AWG mandate to expand education and employment opportunities. Provisions regarding a quorum are removed.
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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) Washington has expressed interest in veterans issues, and the Lieutenant Governor's Office would like the scope of interest expressed in the statute. The AWG wants to ensure the office is on solid ethical footing regarding its organizational status.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Cyrus Habib, Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.