Brief Description: Directing the institute for public policy to develop a proposal for establishing a Washington state women's history center or information network.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Winsley, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, B. Sheldon, Spanel, Keiser, Franklin and Thibaudeau).

Hearing Date: 2/24/04

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

There are a number of state historical resources, including the State Historical Society, the State Museum, and various regional and local historical organizations. There is, however, no formal designation of a state women's history center or information network.

Among Washington's most historically noteworthy women are Belle Culp Reeves, Secretary of State in 1938, and a member of the House of Representatives for 16 years; Reba Hurn, elected as Washington's first woman senator in 1922, and the first woman admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 1913; Berth Knight Landes, Seattle Mayor elected on a platform of law enforcement, reform, and morality in 1926; and Dr. Dixie Lee Ray, Washington Governor from 1977 to 1981. The percentage of women in Washington legislatures since 2000 has ranked among the highest of all the 50 states, and in 2003 Washington topped all other states for the percentage of its legislative positions held by women.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) will undertake a study and make recommendations regarding development of a state women's history center or information network, or both. Goals of the center, network, or both are to:

1)  Systematically collect, preserve, maintain, and provide public access to historically valuable records pertaining to women's history in Washington;

2)  Develop an outline of the locations of historically significant records and artifacts;

3)  Encourage citizens to preserve and make accessible records and artifacts;

4)  Encourage development of educational programs and displays;

5)  Encourage development of learning opportunities for K-12 students and students in higher education institutions;

6)  Actively promote collection of oral histories;

7)  Encourage research; and

8)  Encourage private donations of funds and donations of records and artifacts for public access.

The WSIPP may create an advisory committee and consult with state, regional, and local governmental and private entities. The recommendations are due to the Legislature December 1, 2004.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.