FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2837
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. |
C 48 L 20
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Expanding powers granted to state historical societies.
Sponsors: Representatives Boehnke and Hudgins; by request of Washington State Historical Society.
House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations
Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections
Background:
Washington's two state historical societies (Societies), the Washington State Historical Society and the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, are designated as trustees for the state. The Societies must maintain and preserve articles and properties that illustrate the history of the state for the use and benefit of the people of the state.
Among other powers and duties, the Societies:
collect, catalog, preserve, and interpret objects, sites, and other materials illustrative of the cultural, artistic, and natural history of the state;
operate state museums;
plan for and conduct celebrations of significant events in Washington; and
engage in fundraising activities.
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society operates the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane and the Joel E. Ferris Research Archives. The Washington State Historical Society operates the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, serves as the managing agency for the Women's History Consortium, and oversees the Capital Heritage Project, which provides funding from the state capital budget through grants for public history, heritage, and preservation projects.
Each Society's governing board appoints a director with the consent of the Governor. Budget requests must be submitted to the Washington State Heritage Council for review and comment.
Summary:
The state historical societies (Societies) may provide grants at their discretion to cultural and historical organizations statewide for:
organizational capacity building;
public programming;
educational programming;
outreach;
collections management; and
exhibitions.
The Societies are permitted to adopt rules to carry out policies and purposes related to their powers and duties.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | June 11, 2020 |