SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6254
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, January 28, 2008
Title: An act relating to creating the Washington state flag account.
Brief Description: Creating the Washington state flag account.
Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Swecker, Roach, Kilmer, Pridemore, McCaslin and Rasmussen; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/24/08, 1/28/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Kline, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Staff: Cindy Calderon (786-7784)
Background: The Secretary of the State may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property for investing, selling, or using these donations and proceeds for four purposes: 1) conducting oral histories; 2) archival activities; 3) Washington state library activities; and 4) development, construction, and operation of the Washington State Heritage Center. The Office of the Secretary of State regularly receives requests from citizens and organizations wanting to donate Washington state flags to state military personnel.
Summary of Bill: The Washington state flag account is established. Money may be received for the purpose of donating Washington state flags to Washington state military personnel. The Secretary of State may solicit and accept contributions to the Washington state flag account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Our office averages two requests a week from individuals wanting to send state flags to military personnel. That number is higher around military holidays. Citizens want to donate flags to our military, and we do not have the authority to do this. This bill allows us to open an account to solicit and accept flags so they can be donated. We would fly the flags over the Capitol and accompany it with a certificate that says it was flown over the Capitol.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor; Megan Moreno, Patrick McDonald, Secretary of State Office.