Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Innovation, Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 2879
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. |
Brief Description: Fostering economic growth in Washington by supporting in-state manufacturing.
Sponsors: Representatives Vick and Eslick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/4/20
Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).
Background:
The mission of the Department of Commerce (Department) is to grow and improve jobs in Washington, facilitate innovation, and streamline access to business assistance and economic development services by providing them through sector-based, cluster-based, and regional partners. Industry clusters targeted by the Department include aerospace, agriculture, food manufacturing, clean technology, information and communication technology, forest products, life science, global health, maritime, and military and defense sectors.
A business regulatory efficiency program administered by the Department was established in 2013. The Department and the Office of Regulatory Assistance are authorized to conduct annual multi-jurisdictional regulatory streamlining projects, beginning with the manufacturing sector. Commerce initiated a manufacturing Regulatory Roadmap Program that works with the cities of Arlington, Marysville and Lynnwood to assessing site feasibility for manufacturing facilities. In 2020, Commerce created an online version of the manufacturing portal, which allows manufacturers to search by selected criteria and compare sites
Summary of Bill:
Subject to appropriations, the Washington manufacturing work group (work group) is established. The purpose of the work group is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of policy recommendations that will lead to improvement in the regulatory conditions, infrastructure, and workforce development resources that support the growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector. The stated objective of the comprehensive assessment is to promote economic development in every Washington county.
The work group is composed of two Senators from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate, and two Representatives from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives. Work group members are appointed by the leader of each respective caucus in each respective chamber.
The work group must convene an advisory group of nonvoting members to provide information, assistance, and input to the work group in its development of policy recommendations. The Chair of the work group must appoint a statewide manufacturing trade association representative to the group. The manufacturing trade association representative is required to appoint advisory group members from each of the following industry subsectors:
aerospace manufacturing;
food manufacturing;
beverage manufacturing;
wood product manufacturing;
primary metal manufacturing;
machinery manufacturing;
computer and electronic product manufacturing;
furniture and related product manufacturing;
transportation equipment manufacturing;
chemical manufacturing;
plastics and rubber products manufacturing;
paper manufacturing;
printing and related support activities;
maritime manufacturing; and
clean energy manufacturing.
The advisory group should also include a designee from the following state agencies and government entities:
the Department of Commerce;
the Department of Revenue;
the Department of Ecology;
the Department of Labor and Industries;
the Employment Security Department; and
the Governor Office's senior policy staff.
The work group is required to hold its first meeting by August 1, 2020. The Chair of the committee must be elected at the inaugural meeting by a majority vote of the work group members present at the meeting.
A public comment period must be provided at every work group meeting. Staff support for the work group must be provided by Senate Committee Services and the House of Representatives Office of Program Research.
The work group is required to submit a report on recommended policies that will facilitate the development of manufacturing in all Washington counties to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by November 30, 2021.
The work group dissolves August 1, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.