HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2976
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 recognizing the fourth Saturday of September as public lands day.
Brief Description: Recognizing the fourth Saturday of September as public lands day.
Sponsors: Representatives Peterson and Ortiz-Self.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/2/18 [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 7 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; McDonald, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin and Pellicciotti.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Kraft, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).
Background:
Washington recognizes 10 specific days and all Sundays as state legal holidays. Another 13 specific days are recognized by the Legislature, but not considered legal holidays. These other recognized days include Korean-American Day, Columbus Day, Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, Washington Army and Air National Guard Day, Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day, Children's Day, Mother Joseph Day, Marcus Whitman Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance, Juneteenth, Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Washington's public lands are an integral part of the state's economy, bringing in revenue from outdoor recreation, working forests, aquatic lands, and other resources. Washington's public lands also contribute to the quality of life in the state. The National Environmental Education Foundation and the United States Department of the Interior recognize the fourth Saturday in September as National Public Lands Day.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The fourth Saturday in September is recognized by the Legislature as Public Lands Day.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill clarifies that Public Lands Day is recognized on the fourth Saturday in September as opposed to the last Saturday in September.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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—from testimony on HB 2056, which is identical to HB 2976 except for the title, on January 30, 2018) This bill is a bipartisan way to recognize the investment in public lands as an economic driver for tourism in Washington. Public Lands Day allows for a dedicated day to celebrate public lands and encourage stewardship over those lands.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support—from testimony on HB 2056, which is identical to HB 2976 except for the title, on January 30, 2018) Representative Peterson, prime sponsor; and Timothy Stapleton, Department of Natural Resources.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.