HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5746
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:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology
Title: An act relating to the association of Washington generals.
Brief Description: Concerning the association of Washington generals.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Kuderer and Pearson; by request of Lieutenant Governor).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/21/18, 2/23/18 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin and Pellicciotti.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives McDonald, Ranking Minority Member; Kraft, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Johnson.
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7105).
Background:
Association of Washington Generals.
The Association of Washington Generals (AWG) is organized as a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that formally recognizes individuals' outstanding service to the state. The AWG brings those individuals together to serve as ambassadors of trade, tourism, and international goodwill. Its activities may include operating a statewide essay competition and training and promoting Washington Generals as ambassadors of the state. The AWG Board of Directors (Board) includes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State, as nonvoting members, and other designated officers and members. The Board reviews nominations for, and selects, the Washington Generals. The Lieutenant Governor's office may provide technical and financial assistance for the AWG.
Special License Plate Fees.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental body, organization, or professional sports franchise may sponsor a special plate if certain requirements are met.
A holder of a special license plate must pay the appropriate fee, depending on the specific special license plate requested. Remaining fees collected from special license plates, after deduction for administration expenses, are credited to the appropriate account for the corresponding special license plate. Each account has conditions for use of the funds deposited.
There are 29 types of special license plates approved by the DOL. These include the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC special plates. Both types of special plates require a $40 fee for the original issuance of the plate and a $30 renewal fee. Proceeds from the Seattle Seahawks special plates must be used by the nonprofit organization, InvestED, to encourage secondary students who have economic needs to stay in school, return to school, or get involved within their learning community. Up to 30 percent, not to exceed $40,000 annually, as adjusted for inflation, of the proceeds from the Seattle Sounders FC special plates are distributed to the AWG.
Compensation and Reimbursement—Part-time Boards.
Part-time boards and other similar groups established by the Legislature to participate in state government and which function in an advisory, coordinating, or planning capacity are identified as a class one group. Unless otherwise specified by law, only customary reimbursement or allowance for expenses may be paid by or through the state to members of class one groups for attendance at its meetings if the allowance or reimbursement cost is not funded by the State General Fund.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Amended Bill:
Association of Washington Generals.
The purpose of the AWG is extended to include expanding educational and/or employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities in Washington. The AWG's activities are modified to eliminate the operation of a statewide essay competition, and instead includes the operation of a study abroad and college readiness fellowship called the Washington World Fellows program.
The AWG board members may be compensated and reimbursed for expenses consistent with allowances for part-time boards and similar groups.
Special License Plate Fees.
The allocation of the Seattle Seahawks special license plate fees is adjusted. Up to 25 percent is distributed to the AWG to create equity-focused educational opportunities, including the Washington World Fellows Program. Seventy-five percent is retained by InvestED.
Funding of the Association of Washington Generals.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor must post information on its website of all funds received and expended by the AWG.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor must post information on its website of all funds received and expended by the AWG.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Lieutenant Governor's office provides support to the AWG. The bill updates the statute to match what the AWG is currently doing. The new funds provided by the Seattle Seahawks special plates will be dedicated to a new study abroad program for underserved students. The Seattle Seahawks is supportive of using proceeds for its special plates for this purpose.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Kristina Brown, Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.