HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2007

As Reported by House Committee On:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to commemorating the centennial of national women's suffrage.

Brief Description: Making provisions to commemorate the centennial of national women's suffrage.

Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Appleton, Hudgins, Jinkins, Johnson, Kilduff, Senn, Tarleton, Frame, Stonier, Stambaugh, Lytton, Macri, Robinson, Ormsby, Doglio, Slatter and Pollet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 2/15/17, 2/16/17 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; McCabe, Ranking Minority Member; Barkis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jenkin, Reeves and Sawyer.

Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).

Background:

Washington Women's History Consortium.

The Washington Women's History Consortium (Consortium) is responsible for:

• compiling an index of historically relevant materials;

• identifying topics, historical periods, materials, or activities not well represented in public collections;

• encouraging collection and preservation of materials important to understanding Washington's women's history;

• referring potential donors of historical materials to appropriate agencies and organizations throughout the state;

• developing protocol for the protection of historically relevant materials;

• encouraging development and sharing among member organizations;

• encouraging public and educational access to women's history information;

• seeking private donations;

• developing a concept for a grant program;

• developing a volunteer program; and

• encouraging development of curriculum materials.

The Consortium is managed by a 15-member board of advisors, consisting of four legislative members and 11 members representing a wide range of perspectives, including private citizens, business, labor, historical societies, colleges and universities, educators, tribes, and public officials.

In 2010 the Consortium sponsored and coordinated activities for a statewide commemoration of the centennial of women's suffrage.

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Summary of Bill:

The Consortium must provide leadership for the 2020 statewide commemoration of the centennial of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and immediately begin preparing by:

• consulting with organizations, public agencies, and the public about the content and conduct of the statewide commemoration;

• developing and encouraging others to develop educational opportunities to learn about the leadership role of Washingtonians in achieving national women's suffrage, the importance of women's suffrage, and the long-term impacts of women's suffrage; and

• planning, coordinating, and publicizing statewide events and informational materials throughout the Centennial Commemoration.

The Consortium must also create and distribute, and encourage others to create and distribute, a portfolio of public humanities programs to engage Washingtonians with the women's suffrage movement. It must encourage private organizations and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial, and administer a grant program for nonprofit organizations.

In order to carry out its duties, the Consortium may appoint task forces or advisory committees, work with staff appointed by the Washington State Historical Society, enter into agreements or contracts, and solicit, accept, use, and dispose of grants and gifts. Legislative members of the Consortium are entitled to travel reimbursement.

The Consortium must report to the Governor and Legislature on it's work and provide any recommendations by December 1 each year.

These powers and duties expire July 1, 2021.

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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 2020 centennial commemoration of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United State's Constitution, is a great opportunity for civic education in Washington on how our government works, the significance of women voting, and voting in general. Washington was the fifth state to grant women the right to vote and played a large role in the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) The Consortium is honored and is well-positioned to play a role in planning the 2020 commemoration. Consortium members are serving as volunteers on national suffrage committees and have begun planning for the celebration. The commemoration is a statewide opportunity to celebrate women's suffrage and an exciting and great educational opportunity for students in Washington.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Kagi, prime sponsor; Karen Fraser; Sue Lean, League of Women Voters of Washington; and Linda Malanchuk-Finnan.

(Other) Susan Rohrer, Washington State Historical Society.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.