The bill amends RCW 43.388.010 to enhance the capabilities of the Washington State Leadership Board by allowing it to solicit and receive gifts, grants, and endowments from both public and private sources. This new provision aims to support the board's mission of cultivating leadership skills among Washington state youth and strengthening civic engagement, education, and service opportunities. The executive director of the board is required to report any funds received from private sources to the office of financial management regularly. Importantly, these funds cannot be used to reduce or substitute the board's budget as appropriated by the legislature but must be directed towards projects and programs not funded by the legislature.

Additionally, the bill updates the board's governance structure and responsibilities, including the removal of the sports mentoring program from its list of administered programs, which has been replaced by the Compassion Scholars program. The board is also tasked with adopting bylaws and establishing governance and transparency policies, while the lieutenant governor's office may provide administrative support aligned with the board's mission. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency by requiring the board to post detailed information about its funds and expenditures on its website.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.388.010
Substitute bill: 43.388.010