SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5540
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 & Security, February 17, 2015
Title: An act relating to recognizing the national day of the cowboy.
Brief Description: Recognizing the national day of the cowboy.
Sponsors: Senators Brown, Becker, Schoesler, Braun, Bailey, Warnick, Dammeier, Parlette and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/05/15, 2/17/15 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Pearson, Vice Chair; Liias, Ranking Minority Member; Habib and McCoy.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: A variety of dates are specially recognized in Washington without being considered legal holidays. For example, the second Sunday in October is recognized as Washington State Children's Day, and April 16 is recognized as Mother Joseph Day. In 2014 both houses of the Legislature observed by resolution the National Day of the Cowboy on the fourth Saturday in July.
Summary of Bill: The fourth Saturday in July is recognized as National Day of the Cowboy, but is not considered a legal holiday for any other purpose.
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: This is a bill that recognizes the National Day of the Cowboy, but doesn’t make it a legal holiday. We were careful to make sure cowgirls are included in the bill as well. This bill recognizes our heritage and the efforts we’ve made to preserve it through song and poetry. The holiday acknowledges honesty, integrity, and loyalty, values we’re losing in places we don’t want to.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Brown, prime sponsor; Leo Bowman, Budd Massengale, Columbia River Cowboy Gathering.