SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5697

BYSenators Williams, Hayner, Stratton, Warnke, Conner, Lee, Metcalf, Moore, Newhouse, DeJarnatt, Kreidler and Bender; by request of Secretary of State

Creating the heritage commission.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5697 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 22, 1989

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1989; March 6, 1989

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5697 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Niemi, Owen, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                  March 7, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Lasting Legacy Committee of the Washington Centennial Commission was formed to develop heritage components of the state's centennial celebration.  The committee identified the need to conduct a review and assessment of the state's heritage programs, policies and procedures.  The Heritage Agenda report resulted from this review, in which the committee made several findings and recommendations.

The report broadly reviewed elements of state heritage, including the disciplines of archeology, history, historic preservation, museums, archives, ethnic heritage, folklore and folklife, and related fields.  It found that cultural facilities such as museums and historic sites have a sizable impact upon the local and state economy through attracting tourism and investment in the restoration of historic buildings.  It also found that hundreds of museums, historical societies and libraries are preserving remnants of the state's history and need assistance in cataloging, storing and conserving these artifacts.

Essential components of a comprehensive heritage program identified in the report included a coherent structure for state policy on heritage matters, a system for allocating and prioritizing state funds for heritage programs, a state grant-in- aid program, technical assistance and public outreach programs, a mechanism for public/private partnerships, authority to regulate and protect state-owned heritage resources, and a heritage museum program.

The primary existing state heritage agencies include the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, which oversees the historic register programs and provides technical assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations.  In addition, three state historical societies operate museums and conduct technical assistance and publications programs. 

In 1983 the Heritage Council was created to adopt and monitor implementation of a statewide heritage plan and review and comment upon the budget requests of state historical agencies. The council includes nine members:  one member each from the state historical societies, nominated by governing boards and confirmed by the Governor; the Secretary of State (ex officio); and five persons appointed by the Governor. 

SUMMARY:

Legislative objectives are set forth regarding the state's heritage programs and policies.  The Heritage Council is reorganized and renamed the Heritage Commission, which is to consist of the following members: two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the House Speaker; two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate President; eleven citizen members appointed by the Governor, who represent a diversity of the heritage community.  Areas of expertise or interest are listed as suggestions for citizen appointments.  The two legislative members appointed from each body must be from a different political party.  Commission members serve staggered three-year terms, and are to meet quarterly.  The Governor shall appoint a director for the commission.

The commission's duties are specified to include:  Preparing an annual heritage report; monitoring implementation of heritage programs; administering the grant-in- aid program established under the act; preparing an action plan to improve heritage program coordination; providing oversight of the Heritage Resource Center; reviewing heritage legislation and budget requests; and other duties.

A heritage grants-in-aid account is created to fund grants for nonstate heritage organizations, state historical agencies and other state agencies.  One-half of the centennial license plate fees are to be deposited to this account.  The existing centennial commission grant program expires on September 30, 1989 and remaining funds are to revert to the heritage grants-in-aid account.  A Heritage Resource Center is established to provide technical assistance to the heritage community.

$725,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the state heritage commission as follows: (1) $400,000 to carry out the act; (2) $325,000 to fund the Heritage Resource Center.  $500,000 is appropriated from the heritage grants-in-aid account for the grant program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Governor may consider membership on the governing board of a state historical society in making appointments to the Heritage Commission.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

The appropriations of $725,000 from the general fund and $500,000 from the heritage grants-in-aid program are removed.  Language is added which states the bill is null and void if the operating budget does not appropriate the funds.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 17, 1989

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the House Speaker; two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate President.

Senate Committee - Testified: ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES:  FOR:  Jean Gardner, Centennial Commission Chair; Ralph Munro, Secretary of State; Senator Al Williams, prime sponsor; Al Elliott, Lasting Legacy Committee; Mathew Lawpe, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation; Charles Payton, Association of King County Historical Associations; Brent Lambert, Snohomish County; Carolyn Gallaci, Pierce County Preservation Office; Kathryn Galbraith, Executive Director, Historic Seattle, Inc.; Barbara Loomis; Nat Washington, Centennial Commission; Dave Nicandri, Director, Washington State Historical Society; Derek Valley, State Capitol Historical Association; Mildred Cole, State Capitol Historical Association

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Dave Nicandri, Director, Washington State Historical Society; Lou Stewart, Centennial Commission; Gene Newman, Comptroller, Department of Transportation; Gary Shalliol, Program Coordinator, Centennial Commission; Al Elliot, Centennial Commission; Charles Payton, Association of King County Historical Associations