SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5191

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Warnke)

Redesignating the commission on Mexican-American affairs.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5191 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; McCaslin, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Walt Corneille (786-7452); Barbara Howard (786-7410) April 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Commission on Mexican-American Affairs was established in 1971 to address the unique and special problems of the Mexican-American and Spanish speaking populations.  The Commission is also to assist this group in obtaining governmental services and to insure their participation in business, government and education.

The Commission consists of 11 members appointed by the Governor and includes two members from the Spanish speaking population and four members from the Mexican-American community as well as certain occupational representation.

SUMMARY:

The Commission is redesignated the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.  All references to Mexican or Spanish speaking Americans are changed to hispanic.

The Commission remains at 11 members, but includes six members from the hispanic community, replacing the two members from the Spanish speaking population, and four members from the Mexican-American community.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Rene J. Herrera, self; Hector Gonzalez, Director, Commission on Mexican-American Affairs; Angel L. Bracero, Washington Puerto Rican Society; Myrna Zolyomi, self; Maria Jensen, self

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The composition of the Commission is slightly altered, to require that all 11 members be of Hispanic origin, and that three members are Hispanics but not of Mexican-American origin, while three are from the Mexican-American community.  Another section is added, in which the Executive Secretary is redesignated Director.  A sunset termination clause is added for 1996, with appropriate repealers to take effect in 1997.

Technical amendments expand the designation of the member from "professional services" to be a person who is a professional from the business community, government employment, or public service, and obsolete dates for original appointments are stricken.