HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  SB 5275

Regarding Lewis and Clark

bicentennial advisory committee.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 3/24/99

Senators Bauer, Snyder, and Zarelli      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 Washington State Historical Society is designated to coordinate its planning efforts with the parks and recreation commission, and has funding for FY 98 to promote and plan for the bicentennial in an informal manner.

SUMMARY:

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee is created under the auspices of the Washington State Historical Society.  An account is created in the state treasury, and money may only be spent after appropriation.

The committee will have fifteen members made up of six citizens appointed by the Governor, three of which must be an enrolled member of a Washington indian tribe; the president of the Washington State Historical Society; the director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission; the secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation; the director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development; four members of the Legislature, one from each caucus of each chamber as designated by each caucus; and the chair of the Lewis and Clark Trail Advisory Committee.

The committee is authorized to coordinate and lead the observance of the bicentennial.  The committee also has the option to perform certain duties including fund raising, revenue generating activities, and soliciting gifts. The Washington State Historical Society is designated as administrative support for the committee. The committee sunsets in June of 2007.

FISCAL NOTE: Available.

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