HOUSE BILL REPORT

HCR 4400

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:

June 29, 2017

Brief Description: Naming the building at 1063 Capitol Way "The Helen Sommers Building."

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Kagi, Johnson, Appleton, Frame, Ormsby, Jinkins, Short, Young, DeBolt, Hudgins and Tarleton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 1/18/17, 1/20/17, 1/27/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/9/17

Third Special SessionFloor Activity:

Passed House: 6/29/17, 90-4.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Names the "1063 Building" the "Helen Sommers Building."

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Majority Report: 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 Legislature may approve names for new or existing buildings owned by the state, based on recommendations from the State Capitol Committee and the Director of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), with advice from the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, within certain limitations. New or existing buildings may be named, or renamed, after an individual who has had a significant role in Washington history, or other criteria specified in state law. When naming or renaming buildings and other spaces, consideration must be given to:

Representative Helen Sommers first joined the Washington State House of Representatives (House) in 1972 and was among 12 women actively serving as one of more than 90 members of the House. Prior to retiring in 2009, Representative Sommers chaired five committees, including State Government, Revenue, Higher Education, Capitol Budget, and Appropriations.

In 2013 the Legislature directed the Department of Enterprise Services, via Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5035, to initiate construction of the new state office building commonly referred to as the "1063 Building," located at 1063 Capitol Way South in Olympia, Washington.

Summary of Bill:

Acknowledging Representative Helen Sommers' service, the Legislature approves the DES to place the name "The Helen Sommers Building" on the newly constructed 1063 Building.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Many people are interested in naming the new building, overlooking the capitol campus, the Helen Sommers Building.  Representative Helen Sommers admired the capitol grounds during her many years of service.  

   

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Yona Makowsi.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.