Senate committee hears bill letting Washington State Women’s Commission solicit gifts

The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee on March 14 heard House Bill 1012, which would allow the Washington State Women’s Commission to solicit gifts, grants and endowments from public and private sources for the commission’s benefit.

The measure, sponsored in the House by Representative Jamila Taylor, was presented to the committee by staff and the commission’s leadership. Committee staff described the proposal as a narrow change to current law: the commission previously could accept gifts, grants and endowments but was not authorized to solicit them.

Representative Jamila Taylor (D., 30th Legislative District) said the bill is “simple” and intended to bring parity with other state commissions that already may solicit support. She told the committee the change would help the commission “improve public–private partnerships on issues that are paramount to our communities.”

Samantha Gorno, Economic Initiatives Manager for the Washington State Women’s Commission, told the committee the change was suggested by the agency’s assistant attorney general to mitigate legal risk and clarify the commission’s authority to seek sponsorships. Gorno said the ability to solicit would allow the commission to partner with community organizations for events such as a Capitol Campus career-exploration event that drew “close to 50 girls,” for which the commission provides transportation and lunch.

Committee staff said a fiscal note was not requested. During questioning, Senator Wilson asked whether the change included a cap on the value of gifts or sponsorships; committee staff responded that the bill includes no dollar limitation.

Two commission officials testified in person; the vice chair reported 20 pro and 1 con non-testifier submissions. The committee closed the hearing on HB 1012 without taking a final vote at this meeting.