WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 4403

Returning bills to their house of origin.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Fitzgibbon and 1 co-sponsor

Renames the rehabilitated Capitol Campus building from Joel Pritchard State Library to Joel Pritchard Building and requires DES to place the new name on the structure.

Filed with Secretary of State.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 4403

Summary: HCR 4403 (Substitute) — Renaming the Joel Pritchard State Library

Overview

HCR 4403 is a Substitute Concurrent Resolution in the Washington State Legislature. The bill directs renaming the rehabilitated Capitol Campus building at 415 15th Avenue SW from the “Joel Pritchard State Library” to the “Joel Pritchard Building,” and requires the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to affix the new name to the building. The substitute version removes any expansion proposals from the rename scope.

  • Status: Referred to Rules 2 Review (as of 2025-02-28)
  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Primary sponsors: Representatives Tharinger, Steele, McClintock, Abbarno, Waters, Leavitt, Ormsby, Kloba
  • Classification: Concurrent resolution

What the bill does

  • Renames the rehabilitated Capitol Campus building formerly known as the “Joel Pritchard State Library” to the “Joel Pritchard Building.”
  • Requires DES to place the new name on the building.
  • The substitute removes the expansion/addition portion from the renaming scope, so only the main rehabilitated/renamed facility is affected.

Context and rationale

  • The building (415 15th Ave SW, Olympia) opened in 1958 as the Washington State Library Building; renamed in 1997 to the Joel Pritchard State Library.
  • It has served as office space for the Legislature since 2001 and is undergoing expansion and seismic rehabilitation. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • The naming authority rests with the Legislature, following recommendations from the State Capitol Committee and DES, with input from the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee and subject to statutory criteria (RCW 43.34.090).

Key provisions (substitute vs. original)

  • Substitute Concurrent Resolution (H-1396.1SUBSTITUTE):
    • Names the rehabilitated facility the “Joel Pritchard Building.”
    • Directs DES to affix the new name to the building.
    • Acknowledges the legacy of Joel Pritchard (biographical context included in the bill language) and clarifies that the rename applies to the rehabilitated building, not any new addition.
  • Original Concurrent Resolution would have renamed the broader facility (including the expansion) as the new name; the substitute narrows this scope.

Fiscal note and appropriation

  • Appropriation: None.
  • Fiscal note: Available.

Affected parties

  • The Department of Enterprise Services (responsible for applying the new name to the building).
  • The Capitol Campus community and visitors (clarifies signage and avoids potential confusion about the building’s function).

Timeline and legislative actions (highlights)

  • Public hearings: February 7 (State Government & Tribal Relations) and February 20 (Capital Budget).
  • Committee actions: State Government & Tribal Relations (1st substitute, do pass); Capital Budget (1st substitute, do pass).
  • Referred to Rules 2 Review: February 28, 2025.

Bottom line

HCR 4403, via its substitute, seeks a straightforward, signage-focused rename of the Capitol Campus building to reflect its current use (from “State Library” to “Building”) while preserving the historic/name recognition of Joel Pritchard. No funding is required.

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

Sign in to ask a question.