HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5164
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 House Committee On:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to transient lodging for military service members in armories.
Brief Description: Concerning transient lodging for military service members in armories.
Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Bailey, Rolfes, Roach, Hatfield, O'Ban, McCoy, Litzow, Conway and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 3/16/15, 3/19/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Appleton, Chair; Robinson, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins, Moscoso and Sawyer.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The Military Department maintains and operates state armories. Armories generally are reserved for military purposes; however, some limited nonmilitary uses are permitted. For example, veterans organizations have access to state armories and may hold social and athletic events at an armory. Civilian rifle clubs affiliated with the National Rifle Association of America may use small arms rifle ranges in an armory.
The Adjutant General may make armories available for public and private rentals and may permit transient lodging, upon recommendation by the head of a local jurisdiction. The adjutant general also may permit transient lodging for service personnel in armories, but only during an emergency.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Bill:
The Adjutant General is permitted to allow transient lodging for military personnel in nonemergency situations.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill only slightly edits an old existing law to allow military members to stay at the armories while training. Most guardsmen have civilian careers, and only drill during training on the weekends while many have to travel long distances and have to pay for their own lodging while training. Guardsmen must find and pay for their own housing when they travel for training. There was a time when the National Guard received federal funding for lodging, but that ended during budget cuts and military drawdown.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor; and Major Bret Daugherty, Washington Military Department.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.