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
Transportation
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];
Transportation: 2/26/18 [DPA(SEIT & TR)].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
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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 Office of the Lieutenant Governor 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.
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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.
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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 Office of the Lieutenant Governor 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.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on State Government, Elections & Information Technology as further amended by Committee on Transportation. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chapman, Gregerson, Hayes, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McBride, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pellicciotti, Riccelli, Rodne, Stambaugh, Tarleton, Valdez and Van Werven.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Pike, Shea and Young.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Mark Matteson (786-7145).
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Transportation Compared to Recommendation of Committee On State Government, Elections & Information Technology:
The recommendation of the Transportation Committee, as compared to the recommendation from the State Government, Elections and Information Technology Committee:
changes the responsibility for administering the Washington World Fellows Program (Program) from the Association of Washington Generals (AWG) to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor;
requires the board of the AWG to adopt bylaws and establish governance and transparency policies;
provides that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor will collaborate with the AWG in the administration of the Program;
requires that an annual financial report be provided to the Legislature by January 15 of each year that details all revenues and expenditures associated with the Program;
specifies that 25 percent of the proceeds of the Seattle Seahawks special license plate be directed to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to administer the Program;
authorizes funds from the Seattle Seahawks Account to be used by the Lieutenant Governor solely for the purposes of administering the Program; and
provides that at least 90 percent of the amounts received be provided as fellowships under the program.
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 Association of Washington Generals (AWG), modeled after the Kentucky Colonels, was started in 1970 to help youth, veterans, and people with disabilities to have more opportunities. This bill expands these opportunities by putting into statute the Washington World Fellows Program (Program) to help high school students study abroad where they can earn college credit. This is an invaluable experience for young people. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from the Seattle Seahawks license plate proceeds will be provided to support the Program. Equality and opportunity are at the heart of what the Seattle Seahawks stand for, and the Seattle Seahawks support this use of these funds. Nearly 19,000 people have the Seattle Seahawks license plate, resulting in a great amount of revenue that could be used to provide this life-changing opportunity for youth. There are 15 spots available now for the Program, and the Program received 270 applications from students all over Washington. Central Washington agreed to provide college credit to the students selected to participate in the Program. This bill provides increased transparency and good government measures for the AWG.
The baseball license plate in statute now is referred to as the "stadium plate" and the Seattle Mariners are trying to find another license plate for baseball fans. The Seattle Mariners would like to have a Seattle Mariners named plate and partner with an association similar to the AWG. The funds would be used towards youth sports for underprivileged youth. The Seattle Mariners would like to encourage an amendment that includes their organization in this legislation.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Kuderer, prime sponsor; Cyrus Habib, Office of Lieutenant Governor; Mike Flood, Seattle Seahawks; and Amber Carter, Seattle Mariners.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.