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SR 8629

Recognizing Director Teresa Berntsen.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Curtis King and 2 co-sponsors

Ceremonial resolutions honor Teresa Berntsen's DOL leadership and equity work, and Ichiro Suzuki's Baseball Hall of Fame induction, without creating new laws or funding.

Adopted.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8629

Summary of Senate Resolution 8629

SR 8629 comprises two concurrent Senate resolutions recognizing notable individuals for their service and achievements: Teresa Berntsen’s public service leadership in Washington State and Ichiro Suzuki’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction. The measure is a formal, symbolic acknowledgment by the Washington State Senate and does not create new law or funding obligations.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and honor Teresa Berntsen for her longcareer and impact as Director of the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and for her broader work in diversity, equity, and inclusion within state government.
  • Congratulate Ichiro Suzuki on being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and publicly acknowledge his extraordinary MLB career and contributions to Washington fans, particularly Mariners supporters.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

Recognition of Teresa Berntsen (DOL Director)

  • Timeline and roles:
    • Served as DOL director from July 1, 2018, to retirement on February 2, 2023.
    • Previously led the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) (2016–2018) and served as DOL deputy director for more than four years.
  • Core accomplishments highlighted:
    • Founded the DOL Office of Equity and Inclusion and implemented mandatory cultural competency training for DOL staff.
    • Advocated for gender identity recognition on driver’s licenses (support for “X” marker).
    • Promoted outreach for REAL ID readiness regardless of citizenship status.
    • Guided the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic period.
    • Led ongoing technology updates and modernization within the agency.
    • Recognized with awards (e.g., Building Bridges Across the Nation Award) for community engagement.
    • Noted improvements during OMNWBE leadership: high customer satisfaction, faster processing times, and increased certified businesses.
  • Transmission: Resolution requests copies be sent to Director Berntsen and the DOL.

Recognition of Ichiro Suzuki

  • Basis:
    • Acknowledges Ichiro Suzuki’s celebrated baseball career and his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame (class of 2025).
  • Highlights included in the resolution:
    • Early life and rise to MLB prominence with the Seattle Mariners, including his historic 2001 rookie season and impact on Mariners’ success.
    • Notable career milestones: record-setting hits, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, and later career achievements culminating in Hall of Fame election.
  • Transmission: Resolution requests copies be sent acknowledging his achievements.

Affected Parties

  • Teresa Berntsen, Washington State residents who benefited from her DOL leadership and equity initiatives, DOL employees.
  • Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners fans, the broader baseball community, and the Washington state public acknowledging his Hall of Fame induction.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025.
  • Adopted: March 10, 2025 (Ichiro portion) and previously March 22, 2023 (Berntsen portion) per the record.
  • Certification: The Secretary of the Senate authenticates the resolutions and transmits copies to the honorees and respective parties.

Overall Impact

SR 8629 serves as an official, ceremonial commendation of exemplary public service and athletic achievement. It memorializes Berntsen’s contributions to inclusive government and agency modernization, and it publicly honors Ichiro Suzuki’s Hall of Fame career, reinforcing appreciation for both public service and sporting excellence within the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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