Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee |
HB 2065
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. |
Brief Description: Establishing the Washington state LGBTQ commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Jinkins, Stanford, Kilduff, Doglio, Bergquist, Valdez, Peterson, Davis, Tarleton, Leavitt and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/7/19
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7105).
Background:
Every year, during the month of June, various events are held in various jurisdictions to celebrate LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) Pride Month to commemorate events that occurred in June 1969 in New York, which began the movement to prohibit discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ people. Nationally, President Clinton proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. President Obama subsequently proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month in 2009 and for the next five years.
Summary of Bill:
LGBTQ Commission–Created.
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission (Commission) is established in the Office of the Governor. The Commission is administered by an executive director who is appointed by the Governor.
The Commission consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor who must consider nominations for membership based upon maintaining a balanced and diverse distribution of race and ethnic, geographic, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and occupational representation. Of the members who are initially appointed, five serve for one year, five serve for two years, and five serve for three years. Subsequently, all members will serve for three years.
Executive Director Duties.
The Executive Director must:
hire staff for the Commission,
monitor state legislation and advocate for legislation affecting LGBTQ people,
work with agencies to assess relevant programs and policies,
coordinate with other state commissions to address issues of mutual concern, and
work as a liaison between the public and private sector to eliminate barriers to economic and health equity for LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ Commission–Duties.
The Commission must:
recruit and maintain a list of names of qualified LGBTQ people to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions,
provide a clearinghouse for information regarding relevant state and federal legislation,
identify and define specific needs of LGBTQ people of color and provide recommendations to address those needs,
consult with state agencies on the impact of policies, procedures, practices, laws, and administrative rules on the unique problems and needs of LGBTQ people,
hold public hearings to gather input on issues related to the unique problems and needs of the LGBTQ people,
advocate for removal of legal and social barriers for LGBTQ people,
review best practices for discrimination and harassment policies and well as training,
review and make recommendations to the Legislature on strategies to increase the number of LGBTQ people serving on for-profit corporate boards with gross incomes of $5,000,000 or more, and
submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor every two years detailing the Commission's activities.
LGBTQ Commission–Powers.
The Commission may:
receive gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources made for the use or benefit of the Commission,
establish relationships with public and private institutions, local governments, private industry, community organizations, and other segments of the public to promote equal opportunity for LGBTQ people, and
adopt rules.
Other.
June of each year is declared by the Legislature to be LGBTQ Pride Month, and the fourth week in June is declared as a time to celebrate the contributions to the state by LGBTQ people in the arts, sciences, commerce, and education. The Legislature also declares that educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations are encouraged to designate time for appropriate activities in commemoration of the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQ people.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 1, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.