SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5931

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators von Reichbauer, Gaspard, McCaslin and McMullen)

Creating an amateur athletics commission.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5931 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Conner, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

                  March 16, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

It has been argued that on a per capita basis Washington state excels among the states in its number of quality athletes. However, opportunities for organized activities in which these athletes may participate, as well as spectators' ability to enjoy this competition, is severely limited.  It is felt that the promotion of amateur athletics, through the organization of an amateur athletic commission and providing organized games, will give a much needed focus for the future development of our amateur athletes.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Amateur Athletics Commission is established.  The commission shall serve as the focus for the promotion, coordination, and regulation of amateur athletic events and contests in Washington state.  The commission may receive and accept for, and in the name of, the state any funds which may be offered or become available and it may expend such funds for the encouragement and promotion of organized amateur athletic contests and events.

The commission shall consist of seven public citizens voting members appointed by the Governor and four voting members of the Legislature.  The legislative members shall be from the two major political parties in each house.  The commission membership shall also include four ex officio nonvoting members; the Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, the Director of the Department of Community Development, the Director of Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designee.  Members appointed by the Governor shall represent diverse geographic areas of the state and/or various athletic disciplines.

The Governor shall designate one or more existing state agencies of state government to provide additional staff support for the commission's use as necessary.  The commission may accept contributions from corporate sponsors.  The commission shall be self-supporting and will not require the expenditure of state funds for the operation of the commission.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 22, 1989

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

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members of the Senate, one from each caucus, appointed by the President; two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus, appointed by the Speaker

Senate Committee - Testified: No one