HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2735

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to the Lewis and Clark bicentennial advisory committee.

Brief Description:  Regarding Lewis and Clark bicentennial advisory committee.

Sponsors:  Representatives Ogden, Huff, Butler, Cooper, Doumit, Constantine, Carlson, Chopp and Schoesler.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  2/4/98, 2/5/98 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Murray; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  John Carmichael (786-7093).

Background:  The responsibilities of the Washington State Historical Society include planning and conducting celebrations of significant events in the history of the state.

The bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition is approaching.  The expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806 in the Pacific Northwest.  In 1996, the Washington State Historical Society was made responsible for providing assistance and leadership to the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee in planning an observance of the bicentennial.

Summary of Bill:  The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee is created, composed of 15 members.  The Governor appoints six citizen members, including at least three tribal representatives.  The four legislative caucuses each appoint a member.  The remaining members are the president of the Washington State Historical Society, the director of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the secretary of the Department of Transportation, the director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, and the chair of the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee.

The committee is responsible for coordinating and providing guidance to the state=s observance of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.  The committee is authorized to engage in fund-raising activities, including revenue-generating enterprises.  A Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Account is created in the state treasury.  For administrative purposes, the committee is attached to the Washington State Historical Society

The committee will expire on June 30, 2007.

The statute requiring the Washington State Historical Society to assist the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee in planning the Lewis and Clark bicentennial observance is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 4, 1998.

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

Testimony For:  There has been much recent interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition.  It is important that all the agencies that will mark the bicentennial have an opportunity to coordinate their activities.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Ogden, prime sponsor; Derek Valley, Washington State Historical Society; and Judy Lorenzo, Washington State Department of Transportation.