H-2047.1 _______________________________________________
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1987
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State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1993 Regular Session
By House Committee on Trade, Economic Development & Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Wineberry, Quall, Sheldon, Conway, Shin, Morris, Valle, Campbell, Patterson, Veloria, Lemmon, Van Luven and J. Kohl)
Read first time 03/03/93.
AN ACT Relating to the North American free trade agreement; creating new sections; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the North American free trade agreement will significantly affect Washington state. These impacts will occur in all aspects of life in this state, particularly the economy, the environment, and the well-being of Washington's citizens. While it is important for the state to fully participate in the discussions regarding ratification of the agreement, few understand the agreement and its implications for Washington state, both positive and negative. The legislature declares that state leaders, particularly executive and legislative leaders, must develop an understanding of the North American free trade agreement and respond to the debate on this issue at the federal level to ensure Washington's interests are protected.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) A temporary committee on the North American free trade agreement is created to review the North American free trade agreement and analyze its impact on Washington state. The committee shall be comprised of:
(a) The director of the office of financial management, who shall represent the governor and shall chair the committee;
(b) The director of trade and economic development;
(c) The director of agriculture;
(d) The director of community development;
(e) The commissioner of employment security;
(f) The secretary of social and health services;
(g) The director of labor and industries;
(h) The director of the department of ecology; and
(i) The following appointments to be made by the governor:
(i) Two representatives from large businesses currently engaged in international trade, one of which must be an agribusiness;
(ii) Two representatives from small businesses currently engaged in international trade;
(iii) One representative from a Washington state bank engaged in international trade financing;
(iv) One representative from a company engaged in transporting internationally traded goods and commodities; and
(v) Two representatives from labor organizations.
(2) Staffing for the committee shall be provided by the agencies represented on the committee.
(3) The committee shall report to the governor and the economic development committees in the legislature no later than June 1, 1993. The report shall summarize the North American free trade agreement and the opportunities and risks it provides for Washington state. The report shall also list strategies to maximize opportunities and neutralize risks.
(4) The committee may create advisory committees to assist it in its deliberations. The committee may also hold hearings and take other actions to encourage input from the citizens of Washington state.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act shall expire December 1, 1993.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
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