SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2138
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, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 20, 2012
Title: An act relating to national Korean war veterans armistice day.
Brief Description: Establishing national Korean war veterans armistice day.
Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby and Bailey.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/23/12, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/20/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase, Nelson and Roach.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: The Korean War began in June 1950 and halted in July 1953 under an armistice. To date, a peace treaty has not been signed.
More than 730,000 troops of the United Nations coalition fighting in the conflict were killed or wounded, including more than 120,000 Americans. More than 43,000 United Nations coalition troops were prisoners of war (POW) or were reported missing in action (MIA), including more than 8000 Americans.
In 1989 the Legislature authorized the Korean War Memorial, situated near the capitol on the East Campus Plaza.
Summary of Bill: The Legislature declares that July 27 be recognized as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. That date is not to be considered a legal holiday for any purpose.
The POW/MIA flag, together with the U.S. and Washington flags, must be displayed by public entities on that date.
The day on which the POW/MIA flag is to be displayed with the U.S. and Washington flags in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day is specified as the third Friday in September.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: Many Korean War POWs never returned. The Veterans Legislative Coalition wholeheartedly supports this bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition.