SENATE BILL REPORT

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.

As of March 17, 2017

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.

Committee Activity: State Government: 3/17/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

Names the 1063 Capitol Way South building The Helen Sommers Building.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

Background: 1063 Capitol Way South. In 2013, the Legislature directed the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to initiate construction of the new state office building located at 1063 Capitol Way South in Olympia, Washington, which is commonly referred to as the 1063 Building.

Naming Buildings. 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 DES, 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. Representative Helen Sommers served in the Washington State House of Representatives (House) from 1973 to 2009. Helen was among 12 women actively serving in the Legislature in 1973. During her 36 years of service in the House, she chaired five committees including State Government, Revenue, Higher Education, Capitol Budget, and Appropriations. Helen Sommers passed away on March 7, 2017.

Summary of Bill: The building at 1063 Capitol Way South is named The Helen Sommers Building.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is an oral history of Helen Sommers on the legislative website. She served for 36 years in the 36th district and was remarkable in her ability to provide leadership, inspiration, and garner respect from the people who worked with her on both sides of the isle. Helen loved this campus and it is very fitting that the building, which oversees the campus, be named after her. The Capital Campus Design Advisory Committee and the State Capitol Committee supported the recommendation of the name change. The State Capitol Committee approved the naming of this building yesterday.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Ruth Kagi; Yona Makowski; Ann Larson, Department of Enterprise Services; Joe Taller, citizen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.