SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8428

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions, February 24, 2000

Brief Description:  Establishing protocols for agency trade Reported By Senate Committee On:

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Rasmussen, Prentice, Roach and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:  2/24/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Benton, Deccio, Gardner, Hale, Heavey, Rasmussen, T. Sheldon, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Dave Cheal (786-7576)

Background:  Trade missions are seen as an effective way of forging links that can expand trade opportunities for Washington businesses.  Trade missions have usually been a joint effort between an executive branch agency and legislators and other elected officials.  Procedures, methods, and protocols need to be developed to avoid confusion of roles and to generally maximize the effectiveness of trade missions.

Summary of Bill:  It is resolved that certain protocols for legislative participation in executive agency trade missions be established.  Missions must be initiated and organized by the executive branch agency, which includes the office of the Governor.  Procedures for providing timely notice to legislators, and developing objectives and itinerary are provided.  Criteria for legislative participation are stated.  It is resolved that the designated legislative leader will work closely with agency staff to ensure an understanding of responsibilities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested

Testimony For:  Trade missions are very important to the continued economic well being of the state.  Legislative participation is very important, because many of our trading partners place great importance on the presence and leadership of elected officials.  Procedures and protocols need to be refined to avoid confusion of roles and responsibilities, and to facilitate legislative participation.  A way must be found to relieve legislators of the financial burden of these trips.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Ralph Munro, Secretary of State (pro).