2018 Legislative Session Begins

Lawmakers across the state convened in Olympia to consider passing a capital budget, supplemental budget, and new laws. Pressing challenges include fully funding Washington’s public schools, passing the state’s capital budget, and strengthening the safety net.

During the next 60-days, the Commission will be sending periodic legislative updates about hearings, legislation, and budget priorities that may impact our communities.

View a list of committee hearings identified by CAPAA that may be of interest to Asian Pacific American communities.

Members of the Legislature welcome your feedback and messages. You can leave a message by contacting the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. For non-English speaking callers, the Hotline offers interpreter services for many languages. Visit our webpage for additional ways to access the Legislature.

Public Board Meeting

Rulemaking Hearing on WAC 34-04-080

The Commission will be holding a public hearing for the purpose of conducting rulemaking to adopt the new fee schedule for public records requests established in RCW 42.56.120, as amended by section 3, chapter 304, Laws of 2017. More details are available via the Washington State Register, WSR 17-24-071. Written comments regarding this change may be submitted to Michael Itti, P.O. Box 40925, Olympia, WA 98504-0925 or email michael.itti@capaa.wa.gov, by January 10, 2018.

Additionally, the Commission will be reviewing its 2018 legislative agenda and priorities, sharing updates from the 2018 legislative session, and discussing the direction of its Needs Assessment. Public Comment will be available from 11:30 to 11:40 AM.

Visit the Commission’s website to learn more about the Public Board Meetings.

Serve on the Commission

The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) has an advisory board made up of twelve Governor-appointed commissioners representing the state’s diverse Asian Pacific American communities. CAPAA is currently accepting applications for candidates interested in serving on the Commission.

The Commission serves to improve the well-being of Asian Pacific Americans by ensuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, health and other areas.
If selected, the individual will help examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian Pacific Americans. Commissioners also make recommendations to the Governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law.

Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis and have the responsibility to maintain communication with the community they represent as well as to the Board. They are expected to keep the community and board informed on issues, legislative activity, and statutes affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Commissioners serve three year terms. As part of their duties, Commissioners are expected to attend CAPAA’s public board meetings that are held five times a year around the state.

Upcoming Community Events & Opportunities