HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1509

BYRepresentatives Todd, Leonard, Cole, Crane, Dellwo and Prentice

Creating a legal holiday.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, Morris, O'Brien and Silver.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT FEBRUARY 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Thousands of people in Washington have physical, mental, or sensory disabilities.

Washington State currently has 10 legal holidays that are paid holidays for most public employees.  Legal holidays are also school holidays, and school is not taught on these days.  Columbus Day is recognized in Washington, but is not a legal or school holiday.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  Challenge Day is to be recognized on the second Thursday in June in honor of individuals having physical, mental, or sensory disabilities.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The original bill makes Challenge Day a legal holiday, while the substitute bill changes it to a day of recognition, similar to Columbus Day.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (for substitute bill) Representative Mike Todd, prime sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Gary Lowe, Association of Washington Counties.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (for substitute bill) Citizens with developmental disabilities deserve a day of recognition.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      While Challenge Day has a great deal of merit, it should not be declared a legal holiday.