HR 4613
In CommitteeHouse
Scouting America
Honoring Scouting America.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
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- 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 resolution formally honors Scouting America’s 115th anniversary and recognizes its decades-long impact on youth, families, and communities across Washington State. It celebrates the program’s role in building leadership, character, and civic engagement, especially through its local councils and Eagle Scout achievements.
- Expresses formal recognition and celebration by the Washington House of Representatives of Scouting America's 115th anniversary on February 8, 2025.
- Acknowledges Scouting's 115 years of service since its founding in 1910, including its role in developing leadership, citizenship, and character in over 130 million youth nationwide.
- Highlights Scouting's impact in Washington: serving more than 20,000 youth, facilitating hundreds of thousands of camping nights, and delivering over 500,000 hours of community service annually.
- Notes the rebranding of the Boy Scouts of America to 'Scouting America' to reflect its inclusive, evolving mission.
- Commends five Washington councils—Pacific Harbors, Chief Seattle, Blue Mountain, Mount Baker, and Cascade Pacific—for their local contributions to youth development and community service.
Who is affected
- Youth participants in Scouting America — Youth members (ages 5–21) who participate in Scouting programs, including those earning ranks like Eagle Scout.
- Scouting volunteers and adult leaders — Volunteers and adult leaders who support local Scouting units and councils across Washington.
- Families of youth in Scouting — Families of youth in Scouting, who benefit from shared values, activities, and community engagement.
- Washington communities served by Scouting — Local communities that benefit from youth-led service projects, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal recognition may amplify public visibility and legitimacy of Scouting’s civic engagement, potentially encouraging broader participation in youth-led community service and disaster preparedness efforts.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: WHEREAS, Scouting's commitment to character development, physical fitness, environmental stewardship, and community involvement has enriched countless lives throughout the state of WashingtonSymbolic legislative endorsement can strengthen support for Scouting’s nonformal education model—particularly leadership, citizenship, and outdoor skills—potentially encouraging schools and districts to partner more closely with local units.
EducationLean peopleRef: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington state House of Representatives join in celebrating this significant milestone and recognize the positive impact that Scouting America continues to make on the lives of individuals, families, and communities across the state of WashingtonThe resolution highlights Scouting’s tangible civic contributions—over 500,000 hours of community service annually—which directly benefit neighborhoods through park cleanups, trail maintenance, and disaster relief support, enhancing community resilience.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Scouting facilitates programs annually in the state of Washington to more than 20,000 youth members, encourages hundreds of thousands of nights of outdoor camping, provides over half a million hours of community service, and recognizes thousands of young people with the highest rank of Scouting, Eagle ScoutElevating the profile of Eagle Scout achievement may inspire more youth to pursue leadership development and service, supporting long-term civic engagement and workforce readiness—especially for first-generation college attendees and rural youth.
EducationPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Scouting's Eagle Scouts have gone on to key roles in military service, government, aerospace and space exploration, business, sports, entertainment, and elected office; contributing greatly to our nation's success and prosperityBy formally recognizing Scouting’s inclusive rebrand to “Scouting America,” the resolution affirms access for historically excluded youth—including girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and low-income participants—potentially reducing stigma and encouraging broader enrollment.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Scouting's commitment to character development, physical fitness, environmental stewardship, and community involvement has enriched countless lives throughout the state of Washington
Who Is Most Affected
Youth participants gain increased legitimacy and visibility for Scouting’s programs, which may reduce social stigma for marginalized youth (e.g., girls, LGBTQ+ members) and improve access to leadership opportunities.
Volunteers and leaders benefit from enhanced public recognition, which may boost recruitment, reduce burnout, and strengthen community support for local units—especially in rural or under-resourced areas.
Families may experience strengthened family cohesion through shared service projects and increased social capital, though low-income families may still face barriers to participation (e.g., fees, transportation).
Communities benefit from documented volunteer hours and youth-led service, but the resolution itself has no direct funding mechanism—so impact depends on continued volunteer engagement and local council capacity.