FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5991

                          C 329 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for the quality awards council.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Haugen and Patterson; by request of Secretary of State.

Senate Committee on Government Operations

House Committee on Government Administration

Background:  The Washington Quality Award Council is a part of the Quality for Washington State Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation.  The council oversees the Governor's Washington State Quality Achievement Award Program.

The program's purpose is to improve the overall competitiveness of the state's economy by stimulating business and industry to bring about measurable success.  The council is comprised of the Governor, the Director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) and recognized professionals.  The Quality for Washington State Foundation provides administrative support and operational expenses to the council.

Summary:  The council becomes its own private nonprofit corporation separate from the Quality for Washington State Foundation.  The Secretary of State's Office provides limited staff assistance.  Any such assistance is provided to the extent the Legislature specifically appropriates funds for this purpose.

The council may develop private sources of funding, including the establishment of a private foundation.  These private funds are used for administrative support and expenses, beyond any such support provided by the Secretary of State's Office.  No public funds are used to purchase awards.  No public funds are used for any expenses of the council's subcommittees.  No public funds are used to pay overtime or travel expenses of Secretary of State staff for council purposes, unless funded by specific appropriation.

The Governor appoints the board, which members serve for three-year terms.  The director of CTED is added as a member of the Quality Award Council, and a specific number of council members is designated.

Technical and clarifying amendments are made.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 27, 1997