BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to establishing a council on mathematics, science, and technology; adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that mathematics, science, and technology are key parts of the education of Washington's youth and work force and are key to the long-term economic prosperity of Washington. In the coming years mathematics, science, and technology will become more pervasive and important with growing concerns about health, environmental protection, conservation, energy supply, industrial growth, and competing in a global economy. The most likely leading industries in the twenty-first century will be based on mathematics, science, and technology, including microelectronics, biotechnology, new materials industries, civilian aviation, telecommunications, robotics, and computer-related technologies. Therefore, literacy in mathematics, science, and technology will become increasingly important to the economic future of Washington state.

The legislature also finds that significant improvement in mathematics, science, and technology must occur in all segments of the population to enable Washington state to build upon existing public and private sector resources to take full advantage of the projected leading industries for the twenty‑first century.

The legislature intends to promote rapid improvement in Washington citizens' appreciation of and expertise in mathematics, science, and technology, to coordinate private and public efforts in this area to ensure Washington state's opportunities to obtain federal resources, and to develop science and technology industries.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A council on mathematics, science, and technology is created to encourage improvement in the ability of Washington citizens to use mathematics, science, and technology and to recommend state-wide science and technology policies to the governor and the legislature.

(2) The council shall develop recommendations to:

(a) Foster greater public understanding of the role of science and technology in modern society, encouraging more individuals to enter technical professions;

(b) Improve the ability of Washington citizens to understand and use mathematics, science, and technology, particularly development of a work force that is educated and skilled to work in science and technology-based industries;

(d) Coordination of existing technology development and commercialization programs in Washington's public and private sectors;

(e) Influence and coordinate with federal programs in promoting mathematics, science, and technology;

(f) Establish state-wide policies on mathematics, science, and technology;

(g) Resolve conflicts in the design and implementation of science and technology policies; and

(h) Analyze social, environmental, and economic impacts of technology on the citizens of Washington state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The council on science and technology shall include the following members: (a) Five representatives of industries based on mathematics, science, or technology who are experienced or knowledgeable in the application of science and technology to business, industry, or the public sector; (b) one representative from the department of trade and economic development; (c) one representative of the higher education coordinating board; (d) one representative of K-12 education; (e) one representative from each of the four-year research universities in the state; (f) one representative from the two-year community and technical colleges involved in technology transfer or industrial extension and modernization activities; (g) the executive director of the Washington technology center; (h) the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute; (i) one representative of the federal laboratories; (j) one representative of Pacific Northwest laboratories; (k) one representative from the Fred Hutchinson research center; (l) one representative from Battelle laboratories; (m) one representative of the work force training and education coordinating board; (n) eight legislators, two from each of the major caucuses, four appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and four appointed by the president of the senate; (o) one representative of the general public; and (p) one representative of the governor, who shall chair the council.

(2) The governor shall appoint the nonlegislative members. The term of office for each member, excluding the executive director of the Washington technology center, the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute, the science advisor, the director of the department of trade and economic development, and the chair of the work force training and education coordinating board, shall be three years. Members are limited to serving two full terms on the council. The executive director of the Washington technology center, the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute, and the director of the department of trade and economic development, are exempted from the term limitations. The governor shall stagger the terms of the first group of appointees to ensure the long-term continuity of the board.

(3) Staffing for the council shall be provided by the public agencies represented on the council.

(4) The council on mathematics, science, and technology shall provide an annual report of its activities to the governor, the senate committee on trade, technology, and economic development, and the house of representatives committee on trade and housing by January 30th of each year.