S-3931.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6622

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Senators Shin, Rasmussen, Kohl‑Welles, Sheahan, McAuliffe, Prentice, B. Sheldon, Winsley, Finkbeiner, Benton, Fairley, Eide, Goings, Bauer, Franklin, Haugen, Gardner, Loveland, T. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Hargrove, Kline, Fraser, Heavey, Patterson, Hale and Roach

Read first time 01/20/2000.  Referred to Committee on State & Local Government.

Designating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

    AN ACT Relating to the designation of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; amending RCW 43.117.010 and 43.117.070; adding a new section to chapter 43.117 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    Sec. 1.  RCW 43.117.010 and 1995 c 67 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    The legislature declares that the public policy of this state is to insure equal opportunity for all of its citizens.  The legislature finds that Asian Pacific Americans have unique and special problems.  It is the purpose of this chapter to improve the well-being of Asian Pacific Americans by insuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, and other areas.  The legislature is particularly concerned with the plight of those Asian Pacific Americans who, for economic, linguistic, or cultural reasons, find themselves disadvantaged or isolated from American society and the benefits of equal opportunity.  The legislature aims to help these and all Asian Pacific Americans achieve full equality and inclusion in American society.  The legislature further finds that it is necessary to aid Asian Pacific Americans in obtaining governmental services in order to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all the residents of this state.  Therefore the legislature deems it necessary to create a commission to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.117 RCW to read as follows:

    The legislature declares that:

    (1) May of each year will be known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month;

    (2) The fourth week of May is designated as a time for people of this state to celebrate the contributions to the state by Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, sciences, commerce, and education; and

    (3) Educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations are encouraged to designate time for appropriate activities in commemoration of the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.

    Sec. 3.  RCW 43.117.070 and 1995 c 67 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) The commission shall examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian Pacific Americans, and make recommendations to the governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law.

    (2) The commission shall ((further)) advise such state government agencies on the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies, plans, and programs focusing on the special problems and needs of Asian Pacific Americans.

    (3) The commission shall coordinate and assist with state-wide celebrations during the fourth week of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month that recognize the contributions to the state by Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, sciences, commerce, and education.

(4) Each state department and agency shall provide appropriate and reasonable assistance to the commission as needed in order that the commission may carry out the purposes of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  This act takes effect April 30, 2000.

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