HR 4683
In CommitteeHouse
Girl Scouts
Recognizing the Girl Scouts.
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 resolution formally recognizes and honors the Girl Scouts for their long-standing role in developing leadership, civic engagement, and life skills among Washington youth. It celebrates the organization’s history, impact, and contributions to building confident, community-minded young people.
- Expresses formal recognition and appreciation by the Washington State House of Representatives for the Girl Scouts councils serving Western Washington, Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Oregon and Southwest Washington.
- Highlights the historical significance of the Girl Scouts, noting its founding in 1912 and role in empowering girls during a time when women lacked voting rights.
- Acknowledges the organization’s broad impact—over 50 million U.S. alumni—and its role in building leadership, community service, and civic engagement skills.
- Emphasizes the Girl Scouts’ mission to develop girls’ courage, confidence, and character through after-school and out-of-school programming.
- Recognizes the program’s contribution to civics education and community involvement among youth of all grade levels.
Who is affected
- Girl Scouts participants — Girl Scouts members (girls and young women) benefit from continued recognition and support for their leadership development, skill-building, and civic engagement programs.
- Families and caregivers of Girl Scouts — Families and caregivers of Girl Scouts may see increased awareness and validation of the program’s value, potentially encouraging greater participation.
- Educators and youth program providers — Educators and after-school program providers may benefit from renewed public attention to non-formal education and leadership development for youth.
- State government and policymakers — State government gains symbolic recognition of civic education and youth leadership, reinforcing support for similar programs.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal legislative recognition of the Girl Scouts reinforces civic education and community engagement among youth, which correlates with reduced youth risk-taking behaviors and stronger community cohesion.
Public SafetyRef: WHEREAS clauses 1–6 and resolution clauseThe resolution elevates non-formal education (e.g., leadership, civics, life skills) as a public priority, potentially encouraging broader investment in out-of-school time programs by schools and local governments.
EducationRef: WHEREAS clauses 1–6 and resolution clauseRecognition affirms the value of girls’ leadership and agency, reinforcing societal support for gender equity in civic participation — especially meaningful given the resolution’s historical reference to women’s suffrage era.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: WHEREAS clauses 1–6 and resolution clauseWhile not directly economic, increased visibility may encourage more families to enroll children, supporting volunteer and paid staffing roles in local Girl Scout councils (e.g., troop leaders, program coordinators).
Business & EmploymentRef: WHEREAS clauses 1–6 and resolution clauseSymbolic recognition may improve mental health outcomes by validating youth self-worth and belonging, especially for girls in underserved communities who rely on such programs for social support.
HealthcareLean peopleRef: WHEREAS clauses 1–6 and resolution clause
Who Is Most Affected
Girl Scouts participants — especially girls in low-income or rural communities — may experience increased program visibility and morale, potentially leading to greater retention and leadership opportunities.
Families may feel greater encouragement to enroll daughters, particularly if the resolution spurs local media coverage or school partnerships; however, no direct financial benefit is provided.
Educators and youth providers may benefit from renewed policy attention to non-formal learning, but the resolution itself imposes no new funding or mandates.
State government gains symbolic capital for supporting youth development, but no fiscal or operational changes result from this resolution.