Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HCR 4400
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: Naming the building at 1063 Capitol Way "The Helen Sommers Building."
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Kagi, Johnson, Appleton, Frame, Ormsby, Jinkins, Short, Young, DeBolt, Hudgins and Tarleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/18/17
Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).
Background:
The Legislature may approve names for new or existing buildings owned by the state, based on recommendations from the State Capitol Committee and the Director of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), with advice from the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee, within certain limitations. New or existing buildings may be named, or renamed, after an individual who has had a significant role in Washington history, or other criteria specified in state law. When naming or renaming buildings and other spaces, consideration must be given to:
any disparity that exists with respect to the gender of the persons after whom spaces are named;
diversity of human achievement; and
diversity of the state's citizenry and history.
Representative Helen Sommers first joined the Washington State House of Representatives in 1972 and was among 12 women actively serving as one of more than 90 members of the House. Prior to retiring in 2009, Representative Sommers chaired five committees, including State Government, Revenue, Higher Education, Capitol Budget, and Appropriations.
In 2013, the Legislature directed the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), via ESSB 5035, to initiate construction of the new state office building commonly referred to as the "1063 Building", located at 1063 Capitol Way South in Olympia, Washington.
Summary of Bill:
Acknowledging Representative Helen Sommers' service, the Legislature approves the DES to place the name "The Helen Sommers Building" on the newly constructed 1063 Building.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.