Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 1194
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. |
Brief Description: Creating a legislative page scholarship program.
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Pettigrew, Smith, Springer, Kretz, Schmick, Santos, Short, Haler, Lovick, Riccelli, Blake, Senn, Jinkins, Gregerson, Muri, Frame, Wylie, Kilduff, McBride, Bergquist, Fey, Stambaugh, Ormsby, Farrell and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/17
Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).
Background:
The Legislative Page program was established in 1891. Youth must apply and gain sponsorship by a legislative member to participate. Pages are hired as employees during the legislative session, and their duties include presenting flags and distributing communication.
Ethics statutes prohibit public employees and officials from engaging in activities, such as financial transactions, that pose a conflict of interest with regard to official duties. Exemptions allow officials to solicit gifts and various items of value for specified projects.
Summary of Bill:
Establishes the Gina Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship Program (Program) and Legislative Page Scholarship Account (Account). Assistance from the Scholarship Program should be provided based on financial need to those who otherwise qualify for the page program.
The Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives are authorized to: (1) administer the Program, (2) solicit and accept gifts and other specified items of value for the Program, (3) expend proceeds on the Program as limited by the donors' terms, and (4) authorize expenditures from the Account. Members or legislative employees may also solicit specified items of value for the Program.
The State Treasurer is charged with custody of the Account. Monies solicited may only be deposited in the Account and used to operate the program. Joint rules must be adopted to protect the receipt and expenditure of funds. The account is subject to allotment procedures; appropriation is not required.
Ethics statutes clarify that the Secretary of the Senate or Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, their designees, legislative members, and legislative employees, are not prohibited from soliciting and accepting contributions the Account.
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.