SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8426

              As Passed Senate, February 18, 2000

Brief Description:  Creating a joint select committee on veterans and military affairs.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Swecker, Snyder, Bauer, Goings, McCaslin, Winsley, Oke, West, Shin, Benton, Thibaudeau, Roach, Johnson, B. Sheldon, Haugen, Heavey, Fairley, Spanel, Prentice, Loveland, Fraser, Kohl‑Welles and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/2/2000, 2/3/2000 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/18/2000, 41-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Kline and McCaslin.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  Especially due to federal cuts in programs, veterans, members of active duty military forces, and members of the National Guard and Reserve components in Washington State must have consideration given to their unique concerns and the programs designed for their assistance.

Summary of Bill:  The Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs is created.  The committee consists of 16 members, four members from each major caucus of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, and four members from each major caucus of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Co-Speakers of the House of Representatives.  The committee must examine and define issues and make recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in programs, laws, and administrative practices affecting veterans and military affairs before each legislative session.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The Senate Select Committee did a great job hearing from all the parties (active military, retired military, military reserve, Department of Veterans= Affairs, the Veterans= Coalition, and others) and we would like this to continue with a Joint Select Committee so we can continue to serve as a sounding board.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Keith Sherman, Veterans= Legislative Coalition; John King, WDVA.