House approves measure allowing Washington State Leadership Board to solicit private funds after transparency amendment fails

Lawmakers voted to allow the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants and endowments to support youth leadership programming but rejected a proposed transparency amendment.

Representative Walsh moved Amendment 21-73 to require regular reports showing how private funds are collected and spent so the flow of private resources remains transparent and accountable. "The amendment simply says we'd like to see a regular report of how the resources, the private money is being collected and and spent so that we still have transparency in how the money flows through the organization," Walsh said. Representative Minna urged a no vote on the amendment because earlier versions had tasked the lieutenant governor's office with reporting and she preferred accountability assigned to that office; the voice vote failed and the amendment was not adopted.

Supporters of the bill, including Representative Mena and Representative McClintock, said the Leadership Board provides leadership training for youth with limited staff and funding and should be able to pursue private funding. McClintock noted the board has about "1 and a half FTE" and described the program as fiscally prudent. Opponents said private fundraising by a state-affiliated organization requires clearer accountability.

After debate the House advanced the substitute to third reading and passed Substitute Senate Bill 58-25. The clerk reported 85 yays, 8 nays and 5 excused. The bill now moves toward enrollment and the governor's consideration.

Ending: The bill passed after members rejected a transparency amendment; sponsors said private funds will support youth leadership programming while critics urged clearer accountability.