SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6135

                    As of January 12, 2000

Title:  An act relating to golf and country clubs.

Brief Description:  Including golf and country clubs in the definition of "place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement."

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Wojahn, Thibaudeau and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/14/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  Washington law unequivocally bans the practice of discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, age or disability.  The right to be free from discrimination is statutorily declared to be a civil right which includes the right to the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement.  A place of public resort is defined as including, but not limited to, any place where charges are made for occupancy or use of any property or facilities or for the benefit of those seeking health, recreation, or rest or for the sale of merchandise or the rendering of personal services.  A place of public resort also includes any place where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises, or where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge.  However, the definition does not apply to any bona fide club or place of accommodation which is by its nature distinctly private.

Summary of Bill:  The definition of Aany place of public resort@ includes any place where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge, including golf and/or country clubs whether public or private.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 12, 2000.

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