6706-S AMH KENN H5761.2

SSB 6706  - H AMD1672
     By Representative Kenney

ADOPTED AS AMENDED 03/22/2010

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) It is the intent of the legislature that state universities engage in the commercialization of research and other economic development and workforce development activities that benefit the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of Washington. State universities are expected to develop and strengthen university-industry relationships through the conduct of research, the support of company formation and job generation, and collaborative training. The state universities, using in-house university resources and not contractors, must perform one or more of the following functions:
     (a) Provide collaborative research and technology transfer opportunities;
     (b) Publicize their commercialization processes and include an explanation of how to access commercialization resources at the universities;
     (c) Develop mechanisms for pairing researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Such mechanisms are to include, but are not limited to, developing guides, web sites, or workshops on funding opportunities, on entrepreneurship and the process of starting a company, and on university-industry relations;
     (d) Host events to connect researchers to entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals from the state's technology-based industries; and
     (e) Provide opportunities for training undergraduate and graduate students through direct involvement in research and industry interactions.
     (2) In carrying out the functions in this section, the universities may work with and through the higher education coordinating board.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:
     To support the formation of companies created around the technologies developed at state universities, the state universities are authorized to establish and administer bridge-funding programs for start-up companies using funds from the federal government and the private sector."

     Correct the title.

EFFECT:  The amendment: (1) Requires the state universities to use in-house resources, not contractors, to perform functions on the list of commercialization activities; (2) deletes the provisions amending the State Ethics Act; (3) codifies the sections relating to commercialization activities in a chapter of law that defines "state universities" as the University of Washington and Washington State Universities; and (4) clarifies that the bridge funding program relates to supporting the formation of companies created around the technologies developed at state universities.

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