SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8403

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 January 10, 2018

Brief Description: Naming the 1063 Building "The Helen Sommers Building."

Sponsors: Senators Hunt, Carlyle, Miloscia, Darneille, Palumbo, Rossi, Keiser, Becker, Zeiger, Liias, Kuderer, Saldaña, Pedersen, Conway, Hobbs, Walsh, Billig, Cleveland, Nelson, Sheldon, McCoy, Hasegawa, Wellman, Ranker and Pearson.

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/10/18.

Brief Summary of Concurrent Resolution

Names the 1063 Building the Helen Sommers Building

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

Background: 1063 Block Replacement. In 2013, the Legislature directed the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to initiate construction of the new state office building located at 106 11th Avenue 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 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.

On March 16, 2017, the State Capitol Committee unanimously voted to recommend the Washington legislature name the 1063 Building the Helen Sommers Building.

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 Concurrent Resolution: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Concurrent Resolution (Proposed Substitute): The building at 106 11th Avenue, commonly referred to as the 1063 Building, 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: This resolution provides a lasting tribute for Helen on the capitol campus. There are a number of buildings on this campus named after former members of the Legislature, which are all men. It is time to name a building after a woman who did so much for this state, including reforming the state pension system. It is a fitting contribution for a someone who loved this campus very much.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sam Hunt, Prime Sponsor; Yona Makowski, citizen.

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