HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1221

Regarding Lewis and Clark

bicentennial advisory committee

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 1/29/99

Reps. Odgen, Carlson and Conway          Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

The years 2005-06 represent the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition reaching Washington state.  The state is currently promoting the expedition through the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, which was created by the Legislature in 1996 to commemorate Lewis and Clark=s epic exploration to the northwest United States.

The committee is administered and staffed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and is promoting, among other events, the bicentennial of the expedition.  The Washington State Historical Society is designated to work with the committee by coordinating its planning efforts with the parks and recreation commission. The commission has current funding for FY 98 to promote and plan for the bicentennial in an informal manner, and staff planning and coordination is already an ongoing effort.  

SUMMARY:

Repeals the statute authorizing the Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, and creates a new chapter that formalizes the role of the commission in planning and promoting the bicentennial.  Included is staff support, budget and accounting responsibilities, fund raising and spending authority, and the role as lead for coordination with other partners.

Authorizes the creation of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee under the auspices of the Washington State Historical Society.  Creates the bicentennial account in the state treasury.  All expenditures must be approved by the director of the historical society or the director=s designee, and must be to finance the activities of the committee.  Money may only be spent after appropriation, and is subject to the state budgeting, reporting and accounting (BARS) system.

The committee will have fifteen members made up of:

CSix citizen members, three of which must be an enrolled member of a Washington Indian Tribe, to be appointed by the governor;

CThe president of the Washington State Historical Society;

CThe director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission;

CThe secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation;

CThe director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development;

CFour members of the Washington Legislature, one from each caucus of each chamber as designated by each caucus; and

Cthe chair of the Lewis and Clark Trail Advisory Committee.

Authorizes the committee to coordinate and lead the observance of the bicentennial.  Also allows the committee the option to perform certain duties including:

CEngage in fund-raising activities including revenue generating enterprises, as well as soliciting gifts, grants or donations;

CPromote public education on the importance of the expedition;

CCoordinate interagency participation;

Cassist, plan or conduct bicentennial events; and

CCooperate with national, regional, statewide and local promotional events.

Designates the Washington State Historical Society as administrative support, including staff and office space, for the committee.  Directs the society to:

CDirect and supervise budgeting and accounting functions;

CInclude the committee=s budget requests in their own budget;

CCollect all non-appropriated revenues for the committee; and

CPrint and post all notices, rules, or orders of the committee.

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee sunsets in June of 2007.

FISCAL NOTE:  Available.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.