SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2181
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 extending the age for service in the Washington state guard.
Brief Description: Extending the age for service in the Washington state guard.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Dammeier, Orwall, Bailey, Finn, McCune, Sullivan, Klippert, Hudgins, Hope, Hunt, Taylor, Jinkins, Ladenburg, Hansen, Ryu, Maxwell, Asay, Kelley, Kenney, Hurst and Shea).
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: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: The Washington State Guard (Guard) is a military organization available to serve the Governor in the event that the National Guard in the state of Washington is called into federal service. The Governor may also call the Guard into state service in other instances, such as in the wake of a natural disaster.
The period of enlistment in the Guard is set by regulation by the Adjutant General. However, no enlistment may be fulfilled unless the term of service can be completed before the applicant reaches age 64.
Summary of Bill: The Adjutant General may extend the service age upon request by an active member of the Guard if the Adjutant General determines the member's extension would be in the best interest of the Guard. Extensions are for a one-year duration and may be renewed until the member attains age 68.
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: The statute setting the mandatory retirement age for Washington Guard service was set in 1943. The state Guard is staffed by volunteers who dedicate significant amounts of time to help train the National Guard and prepare for state emergencies. People today are more active later in life and it is not unreasonable to expect that members of the state Guard stay fit and able to serve beyond the age of 64. This is a good bill and it has been worked in the House.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dammeier, prime sponsor. Major General Gary Magonigle, WA National Guard.