FINAL BILL REPORT

                     EHB 2821

                                 C 21 L 92

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing communities closely associated with timber impact areas to be included in programs for dislocated forest products workers.

By Representatives Jones, Bowman, Kremen, Wynne, Rayburn, Hargrove, Basich, Scott, Ogden, Morris, Riley, Haugen, Sheldon, Rasmussen, J. Kohl, Franklin, Brekke and Brumsickle.

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Reduced timber harvest levels in Washington affect regions of the state differently.  Those communities whose economic base relies primarily on the timber industry are the most adversely affected.

In 1991, the Legislature created several programs to assist communities, businesses, workers and families in timber impact areas.  The legislation defines timber impact area on a countywide basis.

State funds budgeted for the capital and operating costs of timber impact area assistance programs exceed $56 million for the 1991-93 biennium.  The Interagency Task Force and the Timber Recovery Coordinator, created by the same 1991 legislation, coordinate the assistance programs to the timber impact areas.  Because funds are limited, the Interagency Timber Task Force has focussed its efforts and resources on eligible areas that it has determined to be in greatest need.

Summary:  The definition of timber impact area in the timber programs created by the 1991 legislation is broadened to include communities that are socially and economically integrated with those areas meeting the current definition.

The Economic Recovery Coordinating Board is to determine which additional communities meet the new criteria.

Eligibility for state basic health care is expanded to include all persons in timber impact areas, not just dislocated forest products workers and their families.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 97    0

Senate   49    0

Effective:     March 20, 1992