SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5183

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 of January 13, 2012

Title: An act relating to recognizing "Native American Heritage Day."

Brief Description: Recognizing "Native American Heritage Day."

Sponsors: Senators White, Swecker, Prentice, Roach, Sheldon, Fain, Eide, Hobbs, Brown, Nelson, Haugen, Harper, Pridemore, Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Conway, Regala, Hatfield, Kastama, Rockefeller, Kline, Kilmer, Murray, Ranker, Keiser, Shin, Parlette and Hargrove.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/27/11 [DP]; 1/17/12.

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: State law provides that Sunday and the following days are state legal and school holidays:

State law also recognizes several other days honoring individuals, groups, events, and principles, but they are not state legal or school holidays.

None of the days specifically recognize or honor Native Americans.

Summary of Bill: The day after Thanksgiving Day, currently a state legal and school holiday, is recognized as Native American Heritage Day.

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:

Testimony From 2011 Regular Session.

PRO: The President and Congress promote a united tribute to tribal peoples that validates the effect they have had on American society. This encourages self esteem and pride in native Americans of all ages. All Washingtonians, especially school children, benefit from the opportunity to learn about the first people's occupation of the land for millennia, their contributions to history and the government-to-government relationship between the Indian tribes and other jurisdictions. This is an important step toward changing old stereotypes and the timing is critical. There is no budgetary impact because this day is already a state holiday.

Persons Testifying:

Persons Testifying From 2011 Regular Session.

PRO: Senator White, prime sponsor; Claudia Kauffman, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe; Liz Mueller, Jamestown S'Klallem Indian Tribe; Jeremiah George, Squaxin Island; Deborah Parker, Tulalip Tribes.