HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1871

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                Trade & Economic Development

Title:  An act relating to preferences for Washington wood products.

Brief Description:  Preferring Washington wood products in public works projects.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Jones, Brumsickle, Basich, Bowman, Kremen, Hargrove, Rasmussen, Sheldon, Fuhrman, Riley, R. Johnson, Jacobsen, Morris, Chandler and Roland.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Trade & Economic Development, March 1, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 1871 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 7 members:  Representatives Cantwell, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Kremen; Rasmussen; Riley; and Roland.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 4 members:  Representatives Betrozoff, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ferguson; Ludwig; and Moyer.

Staff:  Bill Watterson  (786-7349).

Background:  Timber harvest levels, particularly on federal lands, are expected to decrease significantly.  This will adversely impact the state generally and timber communities specifically.

The state gives purchasing preferences to products and services from sheltered workshops, inmate work programs, certified minority and women-owned business enterprises, and recycled products.

Many states, including Washington, have developed reciprocity rules in response to in-state preference clauses developed by other states labeling such clauses discriminatory.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  All public works done by the state or any municipality, for which wood products are the construction material of choice, are required to make maximum use of Washington grown and produced wood products to the extent that they are suitable for the work to be done and competitive on the basis of price and quality.

The Department of Trade and Economic Development and the Department of General Administration will provide technical assistance to state agencies and municipalities to make the maximum use of Washington wood products.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute requires that maximum use of Washington wood products be made when wood products are the construction material of choice, and when Washington wood products are suitable for the work to be done and price and quality competitive, rather than giving a preference for Washington wood products in all cases.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 14, 1991.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  The bill will allow the state to demonstrate support for the Washington timber industry when purchasing goods for state use and constructing public facilities.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Evan Jones, prime sponsor.