HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1279
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed House:
March 4, 2019
Title: An act relating to eliminating the joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy.
Brief Description: Eliminating the joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Stokesbary, Smith and Morris.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Innovation, Technology & Economic Development: 1/23/19, 2/6/19 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/4/19, 95-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Kloba, Vice Chair; Smith, Ranking Minority Member; Boehnke, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Morris, Slatter, Tarleton, Van Werven and Wylie.
Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).
Background:
The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy.
The Legislature created the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy (JLOCTP) in 2003 to monitor trade agreement impacts on Washington laws, and to provide a mechanism for legislators and citizens to voice their opinions on trade agreements to state and federal officials.
The JLOCTP is an 11-member committee, comprised of four senators, four representatives, and three ex-officio members. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives appoint members from their respective bodies, as well as jointly appoint the ex-officio members. Staff support is provided by Senate Committee Services and the House of Representatives Office of Program Research.
The JLOCTP examines issues related to international trade, international economic integration, and trade agreements that the members deem appropriate. The JLOCTP is required to:
annually hear public testimony and report to the state Trade Representative's Office and Legislature on the impacts of international trade agreements and negotiations on the state;
conduct an annual assessment and report to the Legislature on the impacts of international trade agreements upon Washington law; and
maintain active communication with federal and state trade offices, the state's congressional delegation, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and any other bodies the committee deems appropriate regarding ongoing developments in international trade agreements and policy.
Summary of Bill:
The act creating the JLOCTP is repealed, eliminating the JLOCTP and the Lieutenant Governor's duty to appoint JLOCTP members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2019.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The JLOCTP was set up with the intention of meeting regularly and has not. All JLOCTP requirements are met by statutory committees in the state House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition to the statutory committees, there is a congressional delegation that talk about trade. Trade is an important issue, but this bill would allow for more efficient use of time and efforts in the Legislature.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.