HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6366

BYSenators Pullen, Hansen, Kreidler, Halsan, Madsen, Smith, Newhouse, Nelson, Hayner, Talmadge, McCaslin, West and Conner

Creating the state law enforcement medal of honor.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; Baugher, Chandler, Hankins, O'Brien, Peery and Walk.

House Staff:Ken Conte (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Since 1986 the State Medal of Merit Committee has nominated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state and its citizens over a long period of time to receive the state's highest honor, the State Medal of Merit.  Committee members include the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or their designees.  The Secretary of State is a nonvoting member.

Each year there are law enforcement officers who also distinguish themselves by meritorious conduct while in the performance of duty.  Several law enforcement agencies recognize meritorious conduct at the agency level.  For example, the Washington State Patrol has an Award of Honor and an Award of Merit for troopers who display exceptional valor beyond the call of duty.  However, there exists no statewide system of recognition.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Washington State Law Enforcement Award of Honor is created, to be awarded by the Governor.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The original bill created a Medal of Honor for law enforcement officers seriously injured or killed in the performance of duty, or who had been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct.  Nominees for the medal would be selected by the State Medal of Merit Committee.  The amendment creates an Award of Honor to be awarded by the Governor.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 24, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ken Johnson, Washington State Law Enforcement Officers Association; and Jim Rabie, Washington State Law Enforcement Officers Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Ralph Munro, Secretary of State; and Connie Bacon, Office of the Governor.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Words alone cannot convey the importance of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make for the state and its citizens.  It is appropriate to recognize and honor officers with a symbol of the state's appreciation.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      While it is important to recognize and commend the bravery and valor of law enforcement officers, the Medal of Merit Committee is already charged with a time-consuming task of selecting recipients for the state's highest honor.  The selection processes are different and the current composition of the Committee is balanced. (The concerns of those testifying against the bill were addressed by the amendment.)