SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5780

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 February 5, 2018

Title: An act relating to commemorating the centennial of national women's suffrage.

Brief Description: Making provisions to commemorate the centennial of national women's suffrage. [Revised for 1st Substitute: Commemorating the centennial of national women's suffrage.]

Sponsors: Senators Darneille, Walsh, Rolfes, Rivers, Saldaña, Angel, Wellman, Brown, Chase, Wilson, Cleveland, Keiser, Warnick, Short, Kuderer, Becker, Ranker, Bailey, Conway and Hunt.

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/17/18 [DPS-WM].

Ways & Means: 1/30/18.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Requires the Washington Women's History Consortium (Consortium) to prepare for a 2020 statewide commemoration of women's suffrage, subject to appropriation.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5780 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Miloscia, Ranking Member; Saldaña and Zeiger.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Claire Goodwin (786-7736)

Background: The Consortium was established in 2005 with the Washington State Historical Society (Society) as the managing agency. The Consortium is responsible for compiling historical materials and programs to preserve and promote women's history in Washington State.

The Consortium is managed by a 15-member board of advisors, consisting of four legislative members and 11 members, appointed by the Society, representing a wide range of perspectives, including private citizens, business, labor, historical societies, colleges and universities, educators, tribes, and public officials. One responsibility of the board of advisors is to develop recommendations for statewide commemoration of the centennial of the 1910 adoption of the fifth amendment to the Washington State Constitution, guaranteeing women's suffrage. In 2010, the Consortium sponsored and coordinated activities for a statewide commemoration of the centennial of women's suffrage.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the Consortium must provide leadership from 2018-2020 for a statewide commemoration of the centennial of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution by Congress and subsequent ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures in 1920 and immediately begin preparing by:

consulting with organizations, public agencies, educational agencies and institutions, tourist organizations, and the public about the content and conduct of the statewide commemoration;
developing and encouraging others to develop educational opportunities, including significant online educational resources, in order to: learn about the leadership role of Washingtonians in achieving national women's suffrage and the importance of women gaining the right to vote; honor the countless participants in the women's suffrage movement; consider the long-term impacts of women's suffrage; and inspire future generations to treasure their right to vote; and
planning, coordinating, and publicizing statewide events and informational materials throughout the Centennial Commemoration.

The Consortium must also:

create and distribute, and encourage others to create and distribute, a portfolio of public humanities programs to engage Washingtonians and visitors in the women's suffrage movement;
encourage private organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, public agencies, and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial;
coordinate with regional and national organizations and agencies with respect to their commemorative work;
coordinate with the National Collaborative for Women's History Sites to contribute Washington components to the development of a nationwide "vote for women" trail; and
administer a grant program for nonprofit organizations.

In order to carry out its duties, the Consortium may appoint taskforces and advisory committees, work with staff appointed by the Society, enter into agreements and contracts, and solicit, accept, use, and dispose of grants and gifts. Legislative members of the Consortium or any taskforce or advisory committee are entitled to travel reimbursement.

The Consortium must report to the Governor and Legislature on its work and provide any recommendations by December 1 of each year.

These powers and duties expire July 1, 2021.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): PRO: There are many women who have dedicated their life to women's rights including, but not limited to, Emma Smith DeVoe who lived in Tacoma and had the opportunity to work with Susan B. Anthony on the women's right to vote cause. The movement moved from west to east with Washington being the fifth state to enact the women's right to vote on a state level. It is important for Washington heritage to be part of the national story. This bill calls for statewide commemoration to this achievement comparable to the Washington women's centennial in the state of Washington in 2010. Some of the benefits would include teaching people to be aware of voting and the democratic process, and encourage civic engagement, tourism and pride in Washington. Historical Society budget is tight so it's important that they can seek grants and donations to help support these efforts.

Persons Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): PRO: Senator Jeannie Darneille, Prime Sponsor; Karen Fraser, Retired State Senator; Jennifer Kilmer, Director, Washington State Historical Society; Sue Lean, League of Women Voters of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): No one.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute (Ways & Means): PRO: The Washington State Historical Society is ready to prepare for the Centennial to commemorate women’s suffrage. The grant amount is discretionary. I encourage passage of the bill.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Senator Jeannie Darneille, Prime Sponsor; Jennifer Kilmer, Washington State Historical Society.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Ways & Means): No one.