SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5346

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Walsh, Rolfes, Zeiger, Hobbs, Warnick, Pedersen, Nelson, Darneille, Kuderer, Hunt, Keiser, McCoy, Honeyford, Fain, Liias, Cleveland, Sheldon, Conway, Pearson, Frockt, Wilson, Bailey and Hasegawa).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5346 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Braun, Chair; Brown, Vice Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Vice Chair, Capital Budget; Ranker, Ranking Minority Member; Rolfes, Assistant Ranking Minority Member, Operating Budget; Frockt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member, Capital Budget; Bailey, Becker, Carlyle, Conway, Darneille, Fain, Hasegawa, Keiser, Miloscia, Padden, Schoesler, Warnick and Zeiger.

Background: The Page program was established in 1891 and is a joint program of the House and Senate. Legislators sponsor the pages, who assist with the Legislature's work by making deliveries and performing other necessary tasks. Pages are hired as employees during the legislative session. Each student is required to make arrangements for their own food and lodging for the week that they serve the Legislature as part of the Page program.

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 First Substitute Bill: This act establishes the Gina Bull Memorial Legislative Page Scholarship program (Program) to provide assistance to students based on financial need.

The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives are authorized to:

administer the Program;
solicit and accept gifts and other specified items of value for the Program; and
expend funds from the Legislative Page Scholarship account on the Program, except as limited by the donors' terms.

A new Legislative Page Scholarship account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. Monies solicited may only be deposited in the Page Scholarship account and used to operate the Program. The account is subject to allotment procedures but an appropriation is not required. The account will retain its interest and investment earnings.

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 for the Program.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (State Government): PRO: This bill memorializes Gina Grant Bull who was a dynamic and thoughtful public servant who served the legislature and was very passionate about the Page program and making kids successful. Many members cannot fill their page positions with local students because of the difficulty of transportation each day. Gina had plans to research ways to get scholarships and additional funds to allow for students to participate in the page program, this bill would move her plan forward to bring this program to more students who may not otherwise be able to afford to participate. Nationwide there is a lack of education in the legislative process, the page program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the legislative process. The Page program also provides work experience to youth and teaches them how to be responsible. The youth in the program are the next generation of leaders in the state and for a small investment we can give the youth the tools they need to be successful. Free Masons are supportive of Free education for students and plan to support this program to provide this opportunity to children across our state.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (Ways & Means): The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: Gina Bull was a remarkable woman. She was a special woman who I had the pleasure of working with during my legislative career. Gina was a passionate advocate for kids having me speak at schools throughout my district. Many of you knew Gina very well; she was a legislative aide for many years. She landed her dream job to be the legislative page coordinator. The page program helps many kids get their first job and learn skills like getting up on time, dressing for the job, and working as a team. Travel costs can be a barrier to participation whether you live east of the mountains or even a thirty minute drive away. Many of the members of our lodge have participated in the page program and we intend to contribute our financial support should this bill pass.