HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5479

                       As Passed House

                       April 15, 1993

Title:  An act relating to Washington state children's day.

Brief Description:  Declaring Washington state children's day.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Human Services (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Deccio, Talmadge, Moyer, Franklin, M. Rasmussen and Oke).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

State Government, March 18, 1993, DP;

Passed House, April 15, 1993, 92-1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 7 members:  Representatives Anderson, Chair; Veloria, Vice Chair; Campbell; Conway; Dyer; King; and Pruitt.

Staff:  Bonnie Austin (786-7135).

Background:  Since 1989, Congress has passed annual resolutions declaring the second Sunday in October as National Children's Day.  Congress has recognized this day in the hope that children, who represent the future and inspiration of the United States, will be encouraged, supported, and listened to.  Congress has celebrated Children's Day with meetings, hearings, workshops, and special events in Washington D.C. for children from around the country.

Washington has recognized its children in the past, with a Children's Day proclaimed by the governor.  However, there is currently no on-going celebration of Children's Day.

Washington has designated a number of statutory nonlegal holidays, including:  January 26 - National Guard Day; April 9 - Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day; August 7 - Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day; and October 12 - Columbus Day.

Summary of Bill:  The second Sunday in October is designated as Washington State Children's Day.  Children's Day will be treated as a nonlegal holiday.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  We celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day to recognize the important role parents play in society.  It is only fair that we also honor our children.  Children work in a different way than adults, but deserve recognition for their efforts at school and in the family.  This is a symbolic measure that has great emotional benefit to our children.  It will make our children feel valued and important.  Children are 25 percent of our population, but 100 percent of our future.  We need a day to promote their accomplishments and focus on the majority of children who are doing well.  We also need to raise awareness of the many children in this country who are in crisis.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Senator Fraser, prime sponsor (pro); Jim CastroLang, President Associated Ministries of Thurston County (pro); Kristin Cottle, student at Washington Middle School (pro); Jean M. Holman, student at Washington Middle School (pro); Charles Shelan, Community Youth Services (pro); Margie Reeves, Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (pro); and Sharon Foster, YMCA's of Washington.