SENATE BILL REPORT
EHCR 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 Senate, January 19, 2018
Brief Description: Naming the 1063 Building "Helen Sommers Building."
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Kagi, Johnson, Appleton, Frame, Ormsby, Jinkins, Short, Young, DeBolt, Hudgins and Tarleton.
Brief History: Passed House: 6/29/17, 90-4; 1/17/18, 91-4.
Committee Activity: State Government: 3/17/17, 3/29/17 [DPA].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 1/19/18, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Concurrent Resolution |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background: 1063 Block Replacement. In 2013, the Legislature directed the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to initiate construction of the new state office building located at 106 11th Avenue in Olympia, Washington, which is commonly referred to as the 1063 Building.
Naming Buildings. 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 DES, 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:
any disparity that exists with respect to the gender of the persons after whom spaces are named;
diversity of human achievement; and
diversity of the state's citizenry and history.
On March 16, 2017, the State Capitol Committee unanimously voted to recommend the Washington legislature name the 1063 Building the Helen Sommers Building.
Representative Helen Sommers. Representative Helen Sommers served in the Washington State House of Representatives (House) from 1973 to 2009. Helen was among 12 women actively serving in the Legislature in 1973. During her 36 years of service in the House, she chaired five committees including State Government, Revenue, Higher Education, Capitol Budget, and Appropriations. Helen Sommers passed away on March 7, 2017.
Summary of Engrossed Concurrent Resolution: The building at 106 11th Avenue, commonly referred to as the 1063 Building, is named the Helen Sommers Building.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on House Concurrent Resolution: Testimony from 2017 Regular Session. The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: There is an oral history of Helen Sommers on the legislative website. She served for 36 years in the 36th district and was remarkable in her ability to provide leadership, inspiration, and garner respect from the people who worked with her on both sides of the aisle. Helen loved this campus and it is very fitting that the building, which oversees the campus, be named after her. The Capital Campus Design Advisory Committee and the State Capitol Committee supported the recommendation of the name change. The State Capitol Committee approved the naming of this building yesterday.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Ruth Kagi; Yona Makowski; Ann Larson, Department of Enterprise Services; Joe Taller, citizen.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.