SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2007

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

State Government, March 29, 2017

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: Passed House: 3/01/17, 98-0.

Committee Activity: State Government: 3/29/17, 3/29/17 [DPA-WM].

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

Background: The Washington Women's History Consortium (Consortium) was established in 2005 with the Washington State Historical Society (Society) as the managing agency. The Consortium is responsible for compiling historical materials and programs to preserve and promote women's history in Washington State.

The Consortium is managed by a 15-member board of advisors, consisting of four legislative members and 11 members, appointed by the Society, representing a wide range of perspectives, including private citizens, business, labor, historical societies, colleges and universities, educators, tribes, and public officials. One responsibility of the board of advisors is to develop recommendations for statewide commemoration of the centennial of the 1910 adoption of the fifth amendment to the Washington State Constitution, guaranteeing women's suffrage. In 2010, the Consortium sponsored and coordinated activities for a statewide commemoration of the centennial of women's suffrage.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Amended Bill: The Consortium must provide leadership from 2017-2020 for a statewide commemoration of the centennial of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution by Congress and subsequent ratification by three-fourths of the state Legislatures in 1920 and immediately begin preparing by:

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

• developing and encouraging others to develop educational opportunities, including significant online educational resources, in order to: learn about the leadership role of Washingtonians in achieving national women's suffrage and the importance of women gaining the gaining the right to vote; honor the countless participants in the women's suffrage movement; consider the long-term impacts of women's suffrage; and inspire future generations to treasure their right to vote; 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 and visitors in the women's suffrage movement;

• encourage private organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, public agencies, and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial;

• coordinate with regional and national organizations and agencies with respect to their commemorative work;

• coordinate with the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites to contribute Washington components to the development of a nationwide "vote for women" trail; and

• administer a grant program for nonprofit organizations.

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

The Consortium must report to the Governor and Legislature on its work and provide any recommendations by December 1st of each year.

These powers and duties expire July 1, 2021.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Bill as Amended by Committee: PRO: This bill provides for commemoration between now and 2020.  Washington was ahead of the rest, the fifth state that granted women the right to vote which inspired states everywhere and played a significant role in the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.  There is a fascinating history, including the fact that Susan B. Anthony was the first women to speak in front of a Legislature and did so in 1871 when she came to Olympia, and this legislation provides many opportunities to engage students and the community so that they know the history of women's suffrage in Washington State.  The grant component of the bill will provide more opportunities for schools to put together different kinds of projects to engage students and make this history real to them. 

OTHER: The Washington State Historical Society is prepared to coordinate this effort.  The society has led this consortium since 2005 and have a board of 15 members, some of which are already serving on national groups that are working on this effort.  The commemoration is a great opportunity to engage students and public across the state to provide education and celebration of civic engagement. 

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Ruth Kagi, Prime Sponsor; Karen Fraser, Retired state senator; Sue Lean, League of Women Voters of Washington; Linda Malanchuk-Finnan, Washington State National Organization for Women, Council Coordinator; Allen Miller, North Capitol Campus Heritage Park Development Association. OTHER: Susan Rohrer, Washington State Historical Society.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.