HB 2514
In CommitteeHouse
War on terror memorial
Establishing a global war on terror memorial on the capitol campus.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill establishes a memorial on the state capitol campus to honor Washington residents who died serving in the global war on terror—including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan—and to specifically recognize veteran suicide. It creates a work group to plan and recommend details, and requires the memorial to be funded entirely through private donations and designated accounts, not state general funds.
- Establishes a global war on terror memorial on the state capitol campus to honor Washington service members who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
- Requires the memorial to include a component specifically addressing the high number of veteran suicides among post-9/11 veterans.
- Creates the global war on terror memorial work group, composed of state agency directors, legislators, veterans’ organization representatives, and others, to study and recommend memorial design, location, funding, and budget.
- Mandates the work group to report recommendations—including potential sculptor, design options, locations, and full cost estimates—to the capitol committee by July 15, 2026, with a goal of completing the memorial within five years of securing funding.
- Authorizes the work group to accept private donations and establish a dedicated state account for memorial-related expenses, with oversight by the Secretary of State.
- Sets a sunset date: the law expires after the memorial’s unveiling ceremony is completed.
Who is affected
- Survivors and families of fallen service members — Families and friends of Washington service members who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn will gain a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection on the capitol campus.
- Veterans of the global war on terror — Veterans who served in the global war on terror, especially those who have experienced suicide or mental health challenges related to service, will be acknowledged through a memorial component specifically addressing veteran suicide.
- State agencies involved in memorial planning — State agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Enterprise Services, State Parks, Military Department, and Secretary of State—will be tasked with planning, coordinating, and supporting memorial development.
- General public — The general public, especially Washington residents, will gain access to a new educational and commemorative site honoring state residents who died in post-9/11 military conflicts.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
This bill creates a permanent, state-sanctioned memorial on the capitol campus explicitly honoring Washington residents who died in post-9/11 combat operations and specifically acknowledging veteran suicide—a public health crisis. The memorial serves as a focal point for public recognition, education, and reflection, reinforcing societal commitment to veterans and potentially reducing stigma around mental health. This is a symbolic but meaningful act of national gratitude that affirms the value of service and loss.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1); Sec. 3(4)(a), (d), (e); Sec. 1The memorial is funded entirely through private donations and designated accounts, with no appropriation from the state general fund. This protects public resources while enabling a meaningful commemorative project—ensuring that families, veterans, and the public gain a lasting tribute without imposing new taxes or diverting funds from core services like education, healthcare, or housing.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 3(7); Sec. 3(5); Fiscal ImpactThe work group includes two representatives from veterans’ organizations and explicitly excludes compensation for members (except limited travel reimbursement), reducing the risk of elite capture and ensuring veteran voices directly shape the memorial’s design and message—particularly the inclusion of veteran suicide awareness. This structure prioritizes lived experience over bureaucratic or political interests.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 3(2)(j), (9); Sec. 3(3), (8)The requirement to include detailed cost estimates—including maintenance, permits, and unveiling ceremony—ensures long-term sustainability and transparency, preventing underfunded memorials that fall into disrepair and become symbols of neglect. This attention to fiscal realism supports durable public recognition.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 3(4)(f)(ii)-(v); Sec. 3(5), (6)The sunset provision ensures the law expires after the memorial is completed, preventing bureaucratic inertia and ensuring accountability—this is a focused, time-bound commitment to honor sacrifice, not an open-ended administrative burden.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 3(10); Sec. 1
Who Is Most Affected
Families and survivors gain a dedicated, state-recognized space to grieve and remember their loved ones—especially important given the high suicide rate among post-9/11 veterans. This memorial validates their loss and affirms societal gratitude, potentially aiding long-term healing.
Veterans—particularly those struggling with PTSD, TBI, or suicidal ideation—will see their experiences acknowledged in a prominent public space. This recognition may reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and affirm that their service and sacrifices are seen and valued.
State agencies (e.g., Veterans Affairs, Enterprise Services, Parks) gain a clear, time-bound mandate with defined roles and no new general fund costs. While this adds planning responsibilities, it avoids fiscal strain and aligns with existing missions (e.g., veteran support, historic preservation).
The general public gains a new educational and reflective space on state property, enhancing civic engagement and historical memory. However, since the memorial is funded privately and does not require ongoing public subsidies, most residents bear no net cost or burden.
Private donors (individuals, foundations, corporations) gain a high-visibility opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, potentially enhancing their public image. However, because the bill explicitly prohibits state funding and sets no donor thresholds or benefits, this is a voluntary, non-pecuniary exchange—more symbolic than economically advantageous.