EXECUTIVE ORDER  75-12

During the last decade there has been an increasing rate of change in the roles of women and the attitudes toward those roles in our society. Particularly in the last four years, the Legislature and the people of Washington State have deemed it appropriate to change our laws to ensure that equality of opportunity is afforded all our citizens without regard to sex.

In 1971, I created the Washington State Women's Council to evaluate the rights and needs of women and directed the Council "to make recommendations to the Governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in program and law." The Council has done a commendable job carrying out this charge and yet women still face barriers to their advancement and the achievement of equality.

It is time for the Women's Council to change directions. While there may still be need for change, state law is in basic conformance with the concept of equality. It must move into the area of education to ensure that all citizens are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby reconstitute the WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN'S COUNCIL in the Office of the Governor and redirect its composition and activities in the following manner:

The Council shall consist of eighteen members appointed by the Governor and shall include two members chosen by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one from each party, and two members chosen by the President of the Senate, one from each party.

The members shall serve for terms of two years and until their successors are chosen. Nine of the initial appointees shall be appointed for one-year terms and shall include those chosen by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

The Governor shall appoint an executive director of the Council, provided that the current executive director shall continue to serve in that office.

The Council shall advise state departments and agencies on the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies, plans, and programs to ensure equal opportunity for all women.

The Council is authorized to gather data and disseminate information to the public in order to implement the purposes of this chapter.

The Council shall make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature regarding changes in administrative practices and existing laws relating to women or particularly affecting women.

In carrying out its duties, the Council shall communicate with public and private institutions, local governments, and private industry as may be needed to promote the purposes of this order and particularly to promote equal opportunity for women in government, education, and employment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the seal of the State of
Washington to be affixed at Olympia this
8th day of December A.D., Nineteen hundred and seventy-five.

Daniel J. Evans
Governor of Washington

BY THE GOVERNOR:



Secretary of State