| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 1741
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Transferring the oral history program from the secretary of state to the legislature.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Skinner and Conway.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/16/07
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Oral History Program (Program) is administered by the Secretary of State (Secretary) at the
direction of an Oral History Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the program is
to record and document oral histories of current and former members and staff of the Legislature,
current and former state government officials and personnel, and other citizens who have
participated in the political history of the state.
The Committee consists of four members of the House of Representatives, two from each major
caucus; four members from the Senate, two from each major caucus, the Chief Clerk of the
House of Representatives; the Secretary of the Senate; and the Secretary. The Committee selects
persons to be interviewed, decides which transcripts should be published, and advises the
Secretary on various other processes and program administration. The Secretary must contract
with independent oral historians and through the history departments of the state universities for
conducting and recording the interviews. Transcripts and photographs may be published for
distribution to libraries and for sale to the public.
Summary of Bill:
The Program is transferred to the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives and is modified for the purpose of conducting oral histories of current and
former members and staff of the Legislature. The Committee maintains its current function of
selecting persons to be interviewed, deciding which transcripts should be published, and
advising the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives on
various other program processes.
The Secretary may establish an oral history project to record and document oral histories of
current and former state government officials and personnel, and other citizens who have
participated in the political history of the state. In the event a candidate for interview occupied
positions in multiple branches of government, the interview shall be conducted according to the
last position held by the candidate.
An oral history account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer and expenditures from the
account may only be made for purposes of the oral history program and may only be authorized
by the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives or their
designees. The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives may
solicit and accept donations for purposes of conducting oral histories.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.