Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Community & Economic Development Committee
HB 1190
Brief Description: Fostering economic growth in Washington by supporting emerging businesses in the new space economy.
Sponsors: Representatives Boehnke, Young, Santos, Jacobsen and Davis.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs the Department of Commerce (Department) to complete a study of public policies that would foster the development of the new space economy and the geographic distribution of space economy sector employment and training opportunities across Washington.
  • Requires the Department to submit the results of the study and recommendations to the Legislature by October 31, 2022.
Hearing Date: 2/3/21
Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).
Background:

The Department of Commerce (Department) is responsible for growing and improving jobs in Washington, facilitating innovation, and streamlining access to business assistance and economic development services by providing them through sector-based, cluster-based, and regional partners.  With this, the Department targets numerous specific industry clusters, including the aerospace, military, and defense sectors. 

 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 (Act) established a United States Space Force (USSF) as an armed force within the United States Department of the Air Force (Air Force).  The United States Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) was redesignated as the USSF as a part of the Act.  The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer all military personnel currently assigned to the AFSPC and other certain Air Force military personnel to the USSF.
Summary of Bill:

The Department is directed to complete a study of public policies that would foster the development of the new space economy and the geographic distribution of space economy sector employment and training opportunities. 

 

The Department, in consultation with the leaders of the economic development committees of the Legislature, is directed to seek applications and convene an advisory committee to provide information, advice, and assistance in completing the study.

 

The results of the study must be submitted to the Legislature by October 31, 2022, and the study must include:

  • a 10-year strategy for a bold expansion of trained workforce to support the industry sector;
  • an evaluation of the state's capacity to train personnel in the cybersecurity protocols necessary for civilian businesses to secure national defense contracts, offer grants and incentives to businesses to lower the cost of cybersecurity compliance, and provide technical assistance and mentoring to start-up and emerging businesses competing for national defense contracts;
  • an evaluation of the state's level of investment in federal lobbying or federal liaison services related to securing defense and civilian space-related appropriations and procurement; and
  • an assessment of the infrastructure needs to support the new space sector, and the institutional capacity of state agencies and nonprofit organizations to foster economic growth in the new space sector.

 

In addition, the study must be accompanied by recommendations that include the identification of short-term and long-term action plans for the Legislature to support and sustain a bold vision for economic growth in the new space sector.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.