SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 2677

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1994

Brief Description:  Expediting the merger of the departments of community development and trade and economic development.

SPONSORS: Representatives Karahalios, Reams, Anderson, Jones, Kessler and Conway; by request of Governor Lowry

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  Jeff Baird (786‑7444)

Hearing Dates: February 16, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1993 the Legislature enacted legislation merging the Department of Community Development and the Department of Trade and Economic Development, effective July 1, 1994.  The merger plan was completed in November of 1993.  According to the Governor's office, the merger of the two departments is ready to proceed.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Community Development and the Department of Trade and Economic Development are merged effective March 1, 1994.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on March 1, 1994.

TESTIMONY FOR:

The early merger is necessary and advisable.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Scott Taylor, WA Public Ports Assn. (pro); Fred Hellberg, Governor's Office, OFM (pro)