HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5150

BYSenators Bender, Thorsness, Kreidler, Conner and Talmadge

Declaring prisoner of war recognition day.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (10)

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

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Governor Gardner proclaimed September 16, 1988 a day of recognition for prisoners of war and those missing-in-action from Washington.  The same day was also declared National POW/MIA Recognition Day by President Reagan.  There is no established date for this recognition; in recent years, the day has been designated on an annual basis.

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

SUMMARY:

April 9 is to be recognized as Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, but is not to be considered a legal holiday for any purposes.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Rick Bender, prime sponsor; and Doris Gross, American Legion.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    It is very important to ex-POW's and their families to have a recognition day.  It is not a holiday, so there will be no cost to the state.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.